University of the Pacific vs. Western State, Westcliff University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are California law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, University of the Pacific is the more selective admit (median LSAT 156 vs 152); University of the Pacific posts the higher first-time bar passage (70.55% vs 63.64%); Western State, Westcliff University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($54,840 vs $62,678); Western State, Westcliff University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (91.4% vs 79.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | University of the Pacific | Western State, Westcliff University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 156 | 152 | University of the Pacific |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.52 | 3.36 | University of the Pacific |
| Acceptance rate | 54.4% | 43.7% | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $62,678 | $54,840 | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Non-resident tuition | $62,678 | $54,840 | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Median grant | $30,426 | $23,616 | University of the Pacific |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 70.55% | 63.64% | University of the Pacific |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 86.01% | 67.86% | University of the Pacific |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -7.1 pts | -14.1 pts | University of the Pacific |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 79.7% | 91.4% | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 4.8% | 2.2% | University of the Pacific |
| Federal clerkships | 1.4% | 0% | University of the Pacific |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
University of the Pacific full profile · Western State, Westcliff University full profile · All California law schools
FAQ
Is University of the Pacific or Western State, Westcliff University harder to get into?
University of the Pacific is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 156 against Western State, Westcliff University's 152.
Which is cheaper, University of the Pacific or Western State, Westcliff University?
Western State, Westcliff University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $54,840 versus University of the Pacific's $62,678.
Which has better bar passage, University of the Pacific or Western State, Westcliff University?
University of the Pacific has the higher first-time bar passage, 70.55% against Western State, Westcliff University's 63.64%.
Which has better job outcomes, University of the Pacific or Western State, Westcliff University?
Western State, Westcliff University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (91.4% vs 79.7%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.