Northeastern University vs. Western New England University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Massachusetts law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Northeastern University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 164 vs 153); Northeastern University posts the higher first-time bar passage (87.39% vs 77.23%); Western New England University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($50,320 vs $65,652); Northeastern University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (86.9% vs 69%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Northeastern University | Western New England University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 164 | 153 | Northeastern University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.77 | 3.27 | Northeastern University |
| Acceptance rate | 24.2% | 51.9% | Northeastern University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $65,652 | $50,320 | Western New England University |
| Non-resident tuition | $65,652 | $50,320 | Western New England University |
| Median grant | $31,000 | $30,000 | Northeastern University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 87.39% | 77.23% | Northeastern University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 96.74% | 86.42% | Northeastern University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +4.5 pts | -3.6 pts | Northeastern University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 86.9% | 69% | Northeastern University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 20.6% | 1.2% | Northeastern University |
| Federal clerkships | 2.3% | 0% | Northeastern University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Northeastern University full profile · Western New England University full profile · All Massachusetts law schools
FAQ
Is Northeastern University or Western New England University harder to get into?
Northeastern University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 164 against Western New England University's 153.
Which is cheaper, Northeastern University or Western New England University?
Western New England University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $50,320 versus Northeastern University's $65,652.
Which has better bar passage, Northeastern University or Western New England University?
Northeastern University has the higher first-time bar passage, 87.39% against Western New England University's 77.23%.
Which has better job outcomes, Northeastern University or Western New England University?
Northeastern University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (86.9% vs 69%).
Northeastern University vs Western New England 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), Northeastern University 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.