Rutgers University vs. Seton Hall University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New Jersey law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Seton Hall University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 161 vs 158); Seton Hall University posts the higher first-time bar passage (87.21% vs 72.81%); Rutgers University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($31,577 vs $69,660); Seton Hall University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (95.7% vs 92.9%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Rutgers University | Seton Hall University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 158 | 161 | Seton Hall University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.66 | 3.71 | Seton Hall University |
| Acceptance rate | 33.5% | 34.3% | Rutgers University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $31,577 | $69,660 | Rutgers University |
| Non-resident tuition | $47,863 | $69,660 | Rutgers University |
| Median grant | $16,000 | $40,000 | Seton Hall University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 72.81% | 87.21% | Seton Hall University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 85.56% | 92.23% | Seton Hall University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -2.3 pts | +11.5 pts | Seton Hall University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 92.9% | 95.7% | Seton Hall University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 12.2% | 17.9% | Seton Hall University |
| Federal clerkships | 2.2% | 0.5% | Rutgers University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Rutgers University full profile · Seton Hall University full profile · All New Jersey law schools
FAQ
Is Rutgers University or Seton Hall University harder to get into?
Seton Hall University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 161 against Rutgers University's 158.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers University or Seton Hall University?
Rutgers University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $31,577 versus Seton Hall University's $69,660.
Which has better bar passage, Rutgers University or Seton Hall University?
Seton Hall University has the higher first-time bar passage, 87.21% against Rutgers University's 72.81%.
Which has better job outcomes, Rutgers University or Seton Hall University?
Seton Hall University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (95.7% vs 92.9%).
Rutgers University vs Seton Hall 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), Seton Hall 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.