Massachusetts/Dartmouth vs. Northeastern University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

Both are Massachusetts law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Northeastern University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 164 vs 152); Northeastern University posts the higher first-time bar passage (87.39% vs 58.33%); Massachusetts/Dartmouth is cheaper on sticker tuition ($31,766 vs $65,652); Northeastern University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (86.9% vs 78.6%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricMassachusetts/DartmouthNortheastern UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT152164Northeastern University
Median undergraduate GPA3.363.77Northeastern University
Acceptance rate52.2%24.2%Northeastern University
Cost
Resident tuition$31,766$65,652Massachusetts/Dartmouth
Non-resident tuition$41,565$65,652Massachusetts/Dartmouth
Median grant$15,000$31,000Northeastern University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage58.33%87.39%Northeastern University
Two-year ultimate bar passage84.34%96.74%Northeastern University
Bar passage vs. state average-20.5 pts+4.5 ptsNortheastern University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment78.6%86.9%Northeastern University
Large-firm (250+) employment1%20.6%Northeastern University
Federal clerkships0%2.3%Northeastern University

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 61.11% in 2018 to 58.33% in 202550%60%70%80%90%181920212223242558.33%
First-time bar passage · 2018–2025
Massachusetts/Dartmouth — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 89.1% in 2011 to 87.39% in 202575%80%85%90%95%111315182022242587.39%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Northeastern University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $24,016 in 2011 to $31,766 in 2025$22,500$25,000$27,500$30,000$32,5001113151719212325$31,766
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Massachusetts/Dartmouth — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $42,296 in 2011 to $65,652 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,0001113151719212325$65,652
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Northeastern University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

Massachusetts/Dartmouth full profile · Northeastern University full profile · All Massachusetts law schools

FAQ

Is Massachusetts/Dartmouth or Northeastern University harder to get into?

Northeastern University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 164 against Massachusetts/Dartmouth's 152.

Which is cheaper, Massachusetts/Dartmouth or Northeastern University?

Massachusetts/Dartmouth is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $31,766 versus Northeastern University's $65,652.

Which has better bar passage, Massachusetts/Dartmouth or Northeastern University?

Northeastern University has the higher first-time bar passage, 87.39% against Massachusetts/Dartmouth's 58.33%.

Which has better job outcomes, Massachusetts/Dartmouth or Northeastern University?

Northeastern University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (86.9% vs 78.6%).

Massachusetts/Dartmouth vs Northeastern 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), Northeastern 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.

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