Pennsylvania vs. Villanova 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 164); Pennsylvania posts the higher first-time bar passage (96.7% vs 91.26%); Villanova University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($59,800 vs $78,348); Pennsylvania places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (99.6% vs 96.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Pennsylvania | Villanova University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 173 | 164 | Pennsylvania |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.95 | 3.80 | Pennsylvania |
| Acceptance rate | 8.1% | 25.9% | Pennsylvania |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $78,348 | $59,800 | Villanova University |
| Non-resident tuition | $78,348 | $59,800 | Villanova University |
| Median grant | $42,246 | $40,000 | Pennsylvania |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 96.7% | 91.26% | Pennsylvania |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 97.66% | 91.26% | Pennsylvania |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +13.8 pts | +11.1 pts | Pennsylvania |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 99.6% | 96.2% | Pennsylvania |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 70.7% | 23.4% | Pennsylvania |
| Federal clerkships | 7.9% | 1.6% | Pennsylvania |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Pennsylvania full profile · Villanova University full profile · All Pennsylvania law schools
FAQ
Is Pennsylvania or Villanova University harder to get into?
Pennsylvania is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 173 against Villanova University's 164.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania or Villanova University?
Villanova University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $59,800 versus Pennsylvania's $78,348.
Which has better bar passage, Pennsylvania or Villanova University?
Pennsylvania has the higher first-time bar passage, 96.7% against Villanova University's 91.26%.
Which has better job outcomes, Pennsylvania or Villanova University?
Pennsylvania places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (99.6% vs 96.2%).
Pennsylvania vs Villanova 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.