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

Both are Massachusetts law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Suffolk University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 155 vs 152); Suffolk University posts the higher first-time bar passage (79.37% vs 58.33%); Massachusetts/Dartmouth is cheaper on sticker tuition ($31,766 vs $62,610); Suffolk University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (89.4% vs 78.6%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricMassachusetts/DartmouthSuffolk UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT152155Suffolk University
Median undergraduate GPA3.363.58Suffolk University
Acceptance rate52.2%61.9%Massachusetts/Dartmouth
Cost
Resident tuition$31,766$62,610Massachusetts/Dartmouth
Non-resident tuition$41,565$62,610Massachusetts/Dartmouth
Median grant$15,000$22,445Suffolk University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage58.33%79.37%Suffolk University
Two-year ultimate bar passage84.34%87.75%Suffolk University
Bar passage vs. state average-20.5 pts-4.1 ptsSuffolk University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment78.6%89.4%Suffolk University
Large-firm (250+) employment1%11.2%Suffolk University
Federal clerkships0%1.1%Suffolk 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: 92.75% in 2011 to 79.37% in 202550%60%70%80%90%100%111315182022242579.37%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Suffolk 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: $42,660 in 2011 to $62,610 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,0001113151719212325$62,610
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Suffolk University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

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

FAQ

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

Suffolk University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 155 against Massachusetts/Dartmouth's 152.

Which is cheaper, Massachusetts/Dartmouth or Suffolk University?

Massachusetts/Dartmouth is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $31,766 versus Suffolk University's $62,610.

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

Suffolk University has the higher first-time bar passage, 79.37% against Massachusetts/Dartmouth's 58.33%.

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

Suffolk University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (89.4% vs 78.6%).

Massachusetts/Dartmouth vs Suffolk 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), Suffolk 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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