Pittsburgh vs. Villanova University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Pennsylvania law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Villanova University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 164 vs 160); Villanova University posts the higher first-time bar passage (91.26% vs 86.33%); Pittsburgh is cheaper on sticker tuition ($39,936 vs $59,800); Villanova University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (96.2% vs 89.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Pittsburgh | Villanova University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 160 | 164 | Villanova University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.54 | 3.80 | Villanova University |
| Acceptance rate | 34.9% | 25.9% | Villanova University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $39,936 | $59,800 | Pittsburgh |
| Non-resident tuition | $53,434 | $59,800 | Pittsburgh |
| Median grant | $30,000 | $40,000 | Villanova University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 86.33% | 91.26% | Villanova University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 91.8% | 91.26% | Pittsburgh |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +6.1 pts | +11.1 pts | Villanova University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 89.3% | 96.2% | Villanova University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 20.5% | 23.4% | Villanova University |
| Federal clerkships | 3.3% | 1.6% | Pittsburgh |
15-year trajectory
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FAQ
Is Pittsburgh or Villanova University harder to get into?
Villanova University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 164 against Pittsburgh's 160.
Which is cheaper, Pittsburgh or Villanova University?
Pittsburgh is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $39,936 versus Villanova University's $59,800.
Which has better bar passage, Pittsburgh or Villanova University?
Villanova University has the higher first-time bar passage, 91.26% against Pittsburgh's 86.33%.
Which has better job outcomes, Pittsburgh or Villanova University?
Villanova University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (96.2% vs 89.3%).
Pittsburgh 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), Villanova 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.