Nova Southeastern University vs. St. Thomas University (Miami): Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Florida law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Nova Southeastern University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 155 vs 152); St. Thomas University (Miami) posts the higher first-time bar passage (80.89% vs 67.37%); St. Thomas University (Miami) is cheaper on sticker tuition ($44,730 vs $49,350); St. Thomas University (Miami) places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (79.4% vs 77.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Nova Southeastern University | St. Thomas University (Miami) | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 155 | 152 | Nova Southeastern University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.52 | 3.42 | Nova Southeastern University |
| Acceptance rate | 47.3% | 60.2% | Nova Southeastern University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $49,350 | $44,730 | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Non-resident tuition | $49,350 | $44,730 | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Median grant | $15,000 | $25,320 | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 67.37% | 80.89% | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 82.93% | 87.68% | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -5.4 pts | +8.2 pts | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 77.3% | 79.4% | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 14.3% | 8.8% | Nova Southeastern University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 1% | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Nova Southeastern University full profile · St. Thomas University (Miami) full profile · All Florida law schools
FAQ
Is Nova Southeastern University or St. Thomas University (Miami) harder to get into?
Nova Southeastern University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 155 against St. Thomas University (Miami)'s 152.
Which is cheaper, Nova Southeastern University or St. Thomas University (Miami)?
St. Thomas University (Miami) is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $44,730 versus Nova Southeastern University's $49,350.
Which has better bar passage, Nova Southeastern University or St. Thomas University (Miami)?
St. Thomas University (Miami) has the higher first-time bar passage, 80.89% against Nova Southeastern University's 67.37%.
Which has better job outcomes, Nova Southeastern University or St. Thomas University (Miami)?
St. Thomas University (Miami) places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (79.4% vs 77.3%).
Nova Southeastern University vs St. Thomas University (Miami): 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), St. Thomas University (Miami) 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.