Liberty University vs. Richmond: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

Both are Virginia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Richmond is the more selective admit (median LSAT 164 vs 154); Liberty University posts the higher first-time bar passage (84.82% vs 80.13%); Liberty University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($43,150 vs $57,700); Richmond places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (92.3% vs 92%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricLiberty UniversityRichmondBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT154164Richmond
Median undergraduate GPA3.543.81Richmond
Acceptance rate58.8%39.6%Richmond
Cost
Resident tuition$43,150$57,700Liberty University
Non-resident tuition$43,150$57,700Liberty University
Median grant$24,000$40,000Richmond
Bar passage
First-time bar passage84.82%80.13%Liberty University
Two-year ultimate bar passage88.52%93.55%Richmond
Bar passage vs. state average+7 pts+2.8 ptsLiberty University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment92%92.3%Richmond
Large-firm (250+) employment0%10.2%Richmond
Federal clerkships0%2.6%Richmond

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 71.13% in 2011 to 84.82% in 202560%70%80%90%100%111315182022242584.82%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Liberty University — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 82.09% in 2011 to 80.13% in 202570%80%90%100%111315182022242580.13%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Richmond — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $30,604 in 2011 to $43,150 in 2025$25,000$30,000$35,000$40,000$45,0001113151719212325$43,150
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Liberty University — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $35,430 in 2011 to $57,700 in 2025$30,000$40,000$50,000$60,0001113151719212325$57,700
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Richmond — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

Liberty University full profile · Richmond full profile · All Virginia law schools

FAQ

Is Liberty University or Richmond harder to get into?

Richmond is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 164 against Liberty University's 154.

Which is cheaper, Liberty University or Richmond?

Liberty University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $43,150 versus Richmond's $57,700.

Which has better bar passage, Liberty University or Richmond?

Liberty University has the higher first-time bar passage, 84.82% against Richmond's 80.13%.

Which has better job outcomes, Liberty University or Richmond?

Richmond places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (92.3% vs 92%).

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

Exhibit 509 by 509αNewsletterTermsPrivacyAccessibilitySitemap● Sourced from ABA Standard 509 · Last synced June 26, 2026