Missouri vs. Saint Louis University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Missouri law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Missouri is the more selective admit (median LSAT 161 vs 157); Saint Louis University posts the higher first-time bar passage (84.0% vs 83.3%); Missouri is cheaper on sticker tuition ($23,548 vs $55,260); Missouri places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (96.0% vs 93.5%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Missouri | Saint Louis University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 161 | 157 | Missouri |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.72 | 3.61 | Missouri |
| Acceptance rate | 42.0% | 56.4% | Missouri |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $23,548 | $55,260 | Missouri |
| Non-resident tuition | $29,812 | $55,260 | Missouri |
| Median grant | $17,500 | $25,000 | Saint Louis University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 83.3% | 84.0% | Saint Louis University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 96.5% | 88.3% | Missouri |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +1.2 pts | +2.1 pts | Saint Louis University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 96.0% | 93.5% | Missouri |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 10.4% | 17.8% | Saint Louis University |
| Federal clerkships | 0.8% | 0.0% | Missouri |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
Missouri full profile · Saint Louis University full profile · Pin both on the interactive map → · All Missouri law schools
FAQ
Is Missouri or Saint Louis University harder to get into?
Missouri is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 161 against Saint Louis University's 157.
Which is cheaper, Missouri or Saint Louis University?
Missouri is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $23,548 versus Saint Louis University's $55,260.
Which has better bar passage, Missouri or Saint Louis University?
Saint Louis University has the higher first-time bar passage, 84.0% against Missouri's 83.3%.
Which has better job outcomes, Missouri or Saint Louis University?
Missouri places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (96.0% vs 93.5%).
Missouri vs Saint Louis 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), Missouri 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.