Michigan vs. Wayne State University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Michigan law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Michigan is the more selective admit (median LSAT 171 vs 164); Michigan posts the higher first-time bar passage (95.57% vs 86.05%); Wayne State University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($38,861 vs $76,108); Michigan places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (97.7% vs 96.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Michigan | Wayne State University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 171 | 164 | Michigan |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.88 | 3.89 | Wayne State University |
| Acceptance rate | 8.6% | 24.8% | Michigan |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $76,108 | $38,861 | Wayne State University |
| Non-resident tuition | $79,108 | $42,632 | Wayne State University |
| Median grant | $32,000 | $34,636 | Wayne State University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 95.57% | 86.05% | Michigan |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 98.7% | 90% | Michigan |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +15.1 pts | +13.1 pts | Michigan |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 97.7% | 96.8% | Michigan |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 57.1% | 8.8% | Michigan |
| Federal clerkships | 9.9% | 0% | Michigan |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Michigan full profile · Wayne State University full profile · All Michigan law schools
FAQ
Is Michigan or Wayne State University harder to get into?
Michigan is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 171 against Wayne State University's 164.
Which is cheaper, Michigan or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $38,861 versus Michigan's $76,108.
Which has better bar passage, Michigan or Wayne State University?
Michigan has the higher first-time bar passage, 95.57% against Wayne State University's 86.05%.
Which has better job outcomes, Michigan or Wayne State University?
Michigan places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (97.7% vs 96.8%).
Michigan vs Wayne State 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), Michigan 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.