University of the Pacific vs. Southwestern Law School: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are California law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Southwestern Law School is the more selective admit (median LSAT 157 vs 156); University of the Pacific posts the higher first-time bar passage (70.55% vs 64.93%); University of the Pacific is cheaper on sticker tuition ($62,678 vs $63,160); Southwestern Law School places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (83.4% vs 79.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | University of the Pacific | Southwestern Law School | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 156 | 157 | Southwestern Law School |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.52 | 3.51 | University of the Pacific |
| Acceptance rate | 54.4% | 36.5% | Southwestern Law School |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $62,678 | $63,160 | University of the Pacific |
| Non-resident tuition | $62,678 | $63,160 | University of the Pacific |
| Median grant | $30,426 | $29,166 | University of the Pacific |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 70.55% | 64.93% | University of the Pacific |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 86.01% | 87.83% | Southwestern Law School |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -7.1 pts | -12.8 pts | University of the Pacific |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 79.7% | 83.4% | Southwestern Law School |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 4.8% | 5.5% | Southwestern Law School |
| Federal clerkships | 1.4% | 0.3% | University of the Pacific |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
University of the Pacific full profile · Southwestern Law School full profile · All California law schools
FAQ
Is University of the Pacific or Southwestern Law School harder to get into?
Southwestern Law School is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 157 against University of the Pacific's 156.
Which is cheaper, University of the Pacific or Southwestern Law School?
University of the Pacific is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $62,678 versus Southwestern Law School's $63,160.
Which has better bar passage, University of the Pacific or Southwestern Law School?
University of the Pacific has the higher first-time bar passage, 70.55% against Southwestern Law School's 64.93%.
Which has better job outcomes, University of the Pacific or Southwestern Law School?
Southwestern Law School places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (83.4% vs 79.7%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.