Oregon vs. Willamette University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Oregon law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Oregon is the more selective admit (median LSAT 160 vs 154); Oregon posts the higher first-time bar passage (85.1% vs 66.7%); Oregon is cheaper on sticker tuition ($47,240 vs $56,600); Oregon places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (85.2% vs 76.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Oregon | Willamette University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 160 | 154 | Oregon |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.62 | 3.48 | Oregon |
| Acceptance rate | 55.0% | 61.4% | Oregon |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $47,240 | $56,600 | Oregon |
| Non-resident tuition | $59,495 | $56,600 | Willamette University |
| Median grant | $25,000 | $20,000 | Oregon |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 85.1% | 66.7% | Oregon |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 90.4% | 81.2% | Oregon |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +8.7 pts | -8.6 pts | Oregon |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 85.2% | 76.2% | Oregon |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 5.6% | 1.0% | Oregon |
| Federal clerkships | 2.1% | 0.0% | Oregon |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
Oregon full profile · Willamette University full profile · Pin both on the interactive map → · All Oregon law schools
FAQ
Is Oregon or Willamette University harder to get into?
Oregon is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 160 against Willamette University's 154.
Which is cheaper, Oregon or Willamette University?
Oregon is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $47,240 versus Willamette University's $56,600.
Which has better bar passage, Oregon or Willamette University?
Oregon has the higher first-time bar passage, 85.1% against Willamette University's 66.7%.
Which has better job outcomes, Oregon or Willamette University?
Oregon places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (85.2% vs 76.2%).
Oregon vs Willamette 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), Oregon 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.