University of the Pacific vs. Santa Clara University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are California law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Santa Clara University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 159 vs 156); Santa Clara University posts the higher first-time bar passage (74.77% vs 70.55%); University of the Pacific is cheaper on sticker tuition ($62,678 vs $65,540); Santa Clara University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (79.8% vs 79.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | University of the Pacific | Santa Clara University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 156 | 159 | Santa Clara University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.52 | 3.50 | University of the Pacific |
| Acceptance rate | 54.4% | 52.6% | Santa Clara University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $62,678 | $65,540 | University of the Pacific |
| Non-resident tuition | $62,678 | $65,540 | University of the Pacific |
| Median grant | $30,426 | $40,000 | Santa Clara University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 70.55% | 74.77% | Santa Clara University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 86.01% | 83.1% | University of the Pacific |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -7.1 pts | -3.2 pts | Santa Clara University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 79.7% | 79.8% | Santa Clara University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 4.8% | 19.2% | Santa Clara University |
| Federal clerkships | 1.4% | 0.5% | University of the Pacific |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
University of the Pacific full profile · Santa Clara University full profile · All California law schools
FAQ
Is University of the Pacific or Santa Clara University harder to get into?
Santa Clara University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 159 against University of the Pacific's 156.
Which is cheaper, University of the Pacific or Santa Clara University?
University of the Pacific is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $62,678 versus Santa Clara University's $65,540.
Which has better bar passage, University of the Pacific or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University has the higher first-time bar passage, 74.77% against University of the Pacific's 70.55%.
Which has better job outcomes, University of the Pacific or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (79.8% vs 79.7%).
University of the Pacific vs Santa Clara 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), Santa Clara 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.