Lewis & Clark Law School vs. Willamette University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Oregon law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Lewis & Clark Law School is the more selective admit (median LSAT 161 vs 154); Lewis & Clark Law School posts the higher first-time bar passage (85.03% vs 66.67%); Willamette University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($56,600 vs $61,434); Lewis & Clark Law School places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (88.2% vs 76.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Lewis & Clark Law School | Willamette University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 161 | 154 | Lewis & Clark Law School |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.59 | 3.48 | Lewis & Clark Law School |
| Acceptance rate | 54.7% | 61.4% | Lewis & Clark Law School |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $61,434 | $56,600 | Willamette University |
| Non-resident tuition | $61,434 | $56,600 | Willamette University |
| Median grant | $26,000 | $20,000 | Lewis & Clark Law School |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 85.03% | 66.67% | Lewis & Clark Law School |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 86.06% | 81.25% | Lewis & Clark Law School |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +10 pts | -8.6 pts | Lewis & Clark Law School |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 88.2% | 76.2% | Lewis & Clark Law School |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 4.6% | 1% | Lewis & Clark Law School |
| Federal clerkships | 1.3% | 0% | Lewis & Clark Law School |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Lewis & Clark Law School full profile · Willamette University full profile · All Oregon law schools
FAQ
Is Lewis & Clark Law School or Willamette University harder to get into?
Lewis & Clark Law School is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 161 against Willamette University's 154.
Which is cheaper, Lewis & Clark Law School or Willamette University?
Willamette University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $56,600 versus Lewis & Clark Law School's $61,434.
Which has better bar passage, Lewis & Clark Law School or Willamette University?
Lewis & Clark Law School has the higher first-time bar passage, 85.03% against Willamette University's 66.67%.
Which has better job outcomes, Lewis & Clark Law School or Willamette University?
Lewis & Clark Law School places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (88.2% vs 76.2%).
Lewis & Clark Law School vs Willamette 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), Lewis & Clark Law School 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.