Pittsburgh vs. Temple University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Pennsylvania law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Temple University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 165 vs 160); Temple University posts the higher first-time bar passage (90.28% vs 86.33%); Temple University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($32,588 vs $39,936); Temple University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (95.4% vs 89.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Pittsburgh | Temple University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 160 | 165 | Temple University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.54 | 3.76 | Temple University |
| Acceptance rate | 34.9% | 24.4% | Temple University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $39,936 | $32,588 | Temple University |
| Non-resident tuition | $53,434 | $48,996 | Temple University |
| Median grant | $30,000 | $31,334 | Temple University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 86.33% | 90.28% | Temple University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 91.8% | 94.83% | Temple University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +6.1 pts | +10.6 pts | Temple University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 89.3% | 95.4% | Temple University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 20.5% | 20% | Pittsburgh |
| Federal clerkships | 3.3% | 2.6% | Pittsburgh |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Pittsburgh full profile · Temple University full profile · All Pennsylvania law schools
FAQ
Is Pittsburgh or Temple University harder to get into?
Temple University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 165 against Pittsburgh's 160.
Which is cheaper, Pittsburgh or Temple University?
Temple University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $32,588 versus Pittsburgh's $39,936.
Which has better bar passage, Pittsburgh or Temple University?
Temple University has the higher first-time bar passage, 90.28% against Pittsburgh's 86.33%.
Which has better job outcomes, Pittsburgh or Temple University?
Temple University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (95.4% vs 89.3%).
Pittsburgh 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), Temple 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.