Loyola University-Chicago 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 161); Northwestern University posts the higher first-time bar passage (91.8% vs 80%); Loyola University-Chicago is cheaper on sticker tuition ($58,670 vs $79,772); Northwestern University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (97.3% vs 92%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Loyola University-Chicago | Northwestern University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 161 | 173 | Northwestern University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.70 | 3.96 | Northwestern University |
| Acceptance rate | 28.2% | 12.3% | Northwestern University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $58,670 | $79,772 | Loyola University-Chicago |
| Non-resident tuition | $58,670 | $79,772 | Loyola University-Chicago |
| Median grant | $30,000 | $40,000 | Northwestern University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 80% | 91.8% | Northwestern University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 91.57% | 98.45% | Northwestern University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +1.2 pts | +10.8 pts | Northwestern University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 92% | 97.3% | Northwestern University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 22.6% | 69.7% | Northwestern University |
| Federal clerkships | 0.8% | 5.7% | Northwestern University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Loyola University-Chicago full profile · Northwestern University full profile · All Illinois law schools
FAQ
Is Loyola University-Chicago or Northwestern University harder to get into?
Northwestern University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 173 against Loyola University-Chicago's 161.
Which is cheaper, Loyola University-Chicago or Northwestern University?
Loyola University-Chicago is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $58,670 versus Northwestern University's $79,772.
Which has better bar passage, Loyola University-Chicago or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University has the higher first-time bar passage, 91.8% against Loyola University-Chicago's 80%.
Which has better job outcomes, Loyola University-Chicago or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (97.3% vs 92%).
Loyola University-Chicago vs Northwestern 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), Northwestern University 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.