Pennsylvania vs. Temple University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Pennsylvania law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Pennsylvania is the more selective admit (median LSAT 173 vs 165); Pennsylvania posts the higher first-time bar passage (96.7% vs 90.28%); Temple University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($32,588 vs $78,348); Pennsylvania places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (99.6% vs 95.4%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Pennsylvania | Temple University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 173 | 165 | Pennsylvania |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.95 | 3.76 | Pennsylvania |
| Acceptance rate | 8.1% | 24.4% | Pennsylvania |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $78,348 | $32,588 | Temple University |
| Non-resident tuition | $78,348 | $48,996 | Temple University |
| Median grant | $42,246 | $31,334 | Pennsylvania |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 96.7% | 90.28% | Pennsylvania |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 97.66% | 94.83% | Pennsylvania |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +13.8 pts | +10.6 pts | Pennsylvania |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 99.6% | 95.4% | Pennsylvania |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 70.7% | 20% | Pennsylvania |
| Federal clerkships | 7.9% | 2.6% | Pennsylvania |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Pennsylvania full profile · Temple University full profile · All Pennsylvania law schools
FAQ
Is Pennsylvania or Temple University harder to get into?
Pennsylvania is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 173 against Temple University's 165.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania or Temple University?
Temple University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $32,588 versus Pennsylvania's $78,348.
Which has better bar passage, Pennsylvania or Temple University?
Pennsylvania has the higher first-time bar passage, 96.7% against Temple University's 90.28%.
Which has better job outcomes, Pennsylvania or Temple University?
Pennsylvania places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (99.6% vs 95.4%).
Pennsylvania vs Temple 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), Pennsylvania 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.