Kentucky vs. Northern Kentucky University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Kentucky law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Kentucky is the more selective admit (median LSAT 159 vs 154); Kentucky posts the higher first-time bar passage (83.09% vs 73.85%); Northern Kentucky University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($24,388 vs $25,685); Kentucky places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (93% vs 84.4%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Kentucky | Northern Kentucky University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 159 | 154 | Kentucky |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.72 | 3.41 | Kentucky |
| Acceptance rate | 40.8% | 58.7% | Kentucky |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $25,685 | $24,388 | Northern Kentucky University |
| Non-resident tuition | $49,836 | $38,454 | Northern Kentucky University |
| Median grant | $11,000 | $18,000 | Northern Kentucky University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 83.09% | 73.85% | Kentucky |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 91.36% | 82.86% | Kentucky |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +4.3 pts | -5.7 pts | Kentucky |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 93% | 84.4% | Kentucky |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 7.8% | 11.5% | Northern Kentucky University |
| Federal clerkships | 6.1% | 2.1% | Kentucky |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Kentucky full profile · Northern Kentucky University full profile · All Kentucky law schools
FAQ
Is Kentucky or Northern Kentucky University harder to get into?
Kentucky is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 159 against Northern Kentucky University's 154.
Which is cheaper, Kentucky or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $24,388 versus Kentucky's $25,685.
Which has better bar passage, Kentucky or Northern Kentucky University?
Kentucky has the higher first-time bar passage, 83.09% against Northern Kentucky University's 73.85%.
Which has better job outcomes, Kentucky or Northern Kentucky University?
Kentucky places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (93% vs 84.4%).
Kentucky vs Northern Kentucky University: which is better?
It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), Kentucky leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.