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 (77.2% vs 58.3%); 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 69.0%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Massachusetts/Dartmouth | Western New England University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 152 | 153 | Western New England University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.36 | 3.27 | Massachusetts/Dartmouth |
| Acceptance rate | 52.2% | 51.9% | Western New England University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $31,766 | $50,320 | Massachusetts/Dartmouth |
| Non-resident tuition | $41,565 | $50,320 | Massachusetts/Dartmouth |
| Median grant | $15,000 | $30,000 | Western New England University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 58.3% | 77.2% | Western New England University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 84.3% | 86.4% | Western New England University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -20.5 pts | -3.6 pts | Western New England University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 78.6% | 69.0% | Massachusetts/Dartmouth |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 1.0% | 1.2% | Western New England University |
| Federal clerkships | 0.0% | 0.0% | Tie |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
Massachusetts/Dartmouth full profile · Western New England University full profile · Pin both on the interactive map → · 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, 77.2% against Massachusetts/Dartmouth's 58.3%.
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 69.0%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.