Illinois vs. Northwestern University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

Both are Illinois law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Northwestern University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 173 vs 166); Illinois posts the higher first-time bar passage (93.56% vs 91.8%); Illinois is cheaper on sticker tuition ($36,500 vs $79,772); Northwestern University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (97.3% vs 95.4%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricIllinoisNorthwestern UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT166173Northwestern University
Median undergraduate GPA3.813.96Northwestern University
Acceptance rate32.9%12.3%Northwestern University
Cost
Resident tuition$36,500$79,772Illinois
Non-resident tuition$46,500$79,772Illinois
Median grant$32,000$40,000Northwestern University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage93.56%91.8%Illinois
Two-year ultimate bar passage98.41%98.45%Northwestern University
Bar passage vs. state average+14.5 pts+10.8 ptsIllinois
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment95.4%97.3%Northwestern University
Large-firm (250+) employment33.3%69.7%Northwestern University
Federal clerkships4.6%5.7%Northwestern University

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 92.67% in 2011 to 93.56% in 202570%80%90%100%111315182022242593.56%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Illinois — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 88.07% in 2011 to 91.8% in 202585%90%95%100%111315182022242591.8%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Northwestern University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $38,567 in 2011 to $36,500 in 2025$34,000$36,000$38,000$40,000$42,0001113151719212325$36,500
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Illinois — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $51,920 in 2011 to $79,772 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,000$80,000$90,0001113151719212325$79,772
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Northwestern University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

Illinois full profile · Northwestern University full profile · All Illinois law schools

FAQ

Is Illinois or Northwestern University harder to get into?

Northwestern University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 173 against Illinois's 166.

Which is cheaper, Illinois or Northwestern University?

Illinois is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $36,500 versus Northwestern University's $79,772.

Which has better bar passage, Illinois or Northwestern University?

Illinois has the higher first-time bar passage, 93.56% against Northwestern University's 91.8%.

Which has better job outcomes, Illinois or Northwestern University?

Northwestern University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (97.3% vs 95.4%).

Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.

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