Loyola University-New Orleans vs. Southern University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Louisiana law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Loyola University-New Orleans is the more selective admit (median LSAT 154 vs 147); Loyola University-New Orleans posts the higher first-time bar passage (68.98% vs 60.33%); Southern University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($11,338 vs $55,024); Loyola University-New Orleans places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (86.4% vs 54.1%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Loyola University-New Orleans | Southern University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 154 | 147 | Loyola University-New Orleans |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.47 | 3.15 | Loyola University-New Orleans |
| Acceptance rate | 50.9% | 56.5% | Loyola University-New Orleans |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $55,024 | $11,338 | Southern University |
| Non-resident tuition | $55,024 | $11,338 | Southern University |
| Median grant | $26,000 | $11,000 | Loyola University-New Orleans |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 68.98% | 60.33% | Loyola University-New Orleans |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 79.87% | 75.95% | Loyola University-New Orleans |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -7.1 pts | -15.6 pts | Loyola University-New Orleans |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 86.4% | 54.1% | Loyola University-New Orleans |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 6.2% | 2.6% | Loyola University-New Orleans |
| Federal clerkships | 1.1% | 0% | Loyola University-New Orleans |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Loyola University-New Orleans full profile · Southern University full profile · All Louisiana law schools
FAQ
Is Loyola University-New Orleans or Southern University harder to get into?
Loyola University-New Orleans is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 154 against Southern University's 147.
Which is cheaper, Loyola University-New Orleans or Southern University?
Southern University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $11,338 versus Loyola University-New Orleans's $55,024.
Which has better bar passage, Loyola University-New Orleans or Southern University?
Loyola University-New Orleans has the higher first-time bar passage, 68.98% against Southern University's 60.33%.
Which has better job outcomes, Loyola University-New Orleans or Southern University?
Loyola University-New Orleans places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (86.4% vs 54.1%).
Loyola University-New Orleans vs Southern 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), Loyola University-New Orleans 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.