Massachusetts/Dartmouth vs. Western New England University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

Both are Massachusetts law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Western New England University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 153 vs 152); Western New England University posts the higher first-time bar passage (77.23% vs 58.33%); Massachusetts/Dartmouth is cheaper on sticker tuition ($31,766 vs $50,320); Massachusetts/Dartmouth places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (78.6% vs 69%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricMassachusetts/DartmouthWestern New England UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT152153Western New England University
Median undergraduate GPA3.363.27Massachusetts/Dartmouth
Acceptance rate52.2%51.9%Western New England University
Cost
Resident tuition$31,766$50,320Massachusetts/Dartmouth
Non-resident tuition$41,565$50,320Massachusetts/Dartmouth
Median grant$15,000$30,000Western New England University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage58.33%77.23%Western New England University
Two-year ultimate bar passage84.34%86.42%Western New England University
Bar passage vs. state average-20.5 pts-3.6 ptsWestern New England University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment78.6%69%Massachusetts/Dartmouth
Large-firm (250+) employment1%1.2%Western New England University
Federal clerkships0%0%Tie

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: 66.39% in 2011 to 77.23% in 202540%50%60%70%80%111315182022242577.23%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Western New England 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: $38,240 in 2011 to $50,320 in 2025$35,000$40,000$45,000$50,000$55,0001113151719212325$50,320
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Western New England University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

Massachusetts/Dartmouth full profile · Western New England University full profile · All Massachusetts law schools

FAQ

Is Massachusetts/Dartmouth or Western New England University harder to get into?

Western New England University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 153 against Massachusetts/Dartmouth's 152.

Which is cheaper, Massachusetts/Dartmouth or Western New England University?

Massachusetts/Dartmouth is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $31,766 versus Western New England University's $50,320.

Which has better bar passage, Massachusetts/Dartmouth or Western New England University?

Western New England University has the higher first-time bar passage, 77.23% against Massachusetts/Dartmouth's 58.33%.

Which has better job outcomes, Massachusetts/Dartmouth or Western New England University?

Massachusetts/Dartmouth places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (78.6% vs 69%).

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