Minnesota vs. University of St. Thomas (Minnesota): Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Minnesota law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Minnesota is the more selective admit (median LSAT 171 vs 159); Minnesota posts the higher first-time bar passage (94.09% vs 74.7%); University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) is cheaper on sticker tuition ($50,998 vs $51,440); Minnesota places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (95.5% vs 91.9%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Minnesota | University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 171 | 159 | Minnesota |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.88 | 3.72 | Minnesota |
| Acceptance rate | 26.7% | 57.6% | Minnesota |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $51,440 | $50,998 | University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) |
| Non-resident tuition | $61,845 | $50,998 | University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) |
| Median grant | $35,000 | $26,865 | Minnesota |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 94.09% | 74.7% | Minnesota |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 98.22% | 88.96% | Minnesota |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +10.7 pts | -9.7 pts | Minnesota |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 95.5% | 91.9% | Minnesota |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 23.5% | 6% | Minnesota |
| Federal clerkships | 3.2% | 1.3% | Minnesota |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Minnesota full profile · University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) full profile · All Minnesota law schools
FAQ
Is Minnesota or University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) harder to get into?
Minnesota is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 171 against University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)'s 159.
Which is cheaper, Minnesota or University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)?
University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $50,998 versus Minnesota's $51,440.
Which has better bar passage, Minnesota or University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)?
Minnesota has the higher first-time bar passage, 94.09% against University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)'s 74.7%.
Which has better job outcomes, Minnesota or University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)?
Minnesota places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (95.5% vs 91.9%).
Minnesota vs University of St. Thomas (Minnesota): 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), Minnesota 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.