San Francisco vs. Western State, Westcliff University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are California law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, San Francisco is the more selective admit (median LSAT 155 vs 152); San Francisco posts the higher first-time bar passage (74.56% vs 63.64%); Western State, Westcliff University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($54,840 vs $59,800); Western State, Westcliff University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (91.4% vs 84.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | San Francisco | Western State, Westcliff University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 155 | 152 | San Francisco |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.47 | 3.36 | San Francisco |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 43.7% | San Francisco |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $59,800 | $54,840 | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Non-resident tuition | $59,800 | $54,840 | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Median grant | $33,718 | $23,616 | San Francisco |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 74.56% | 63.64% | San Francisco |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 83.09% | 67.86% | San Francisco |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -3.2 pts | -14.1 pts | San Francisco |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 84.2% | 91.4% | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 17.5% | 2.2% | San Francisco |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 0% | Tie |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
San Francisco full profile · Western State, Westcliff University full profile · All California law schools
FAQ
Is San Francisco or Western State, Westcliff University harder to get into?
San Francisco is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 155 against Western State, Westcliff University's 152.
Which is cheaper, San Francisco or Western State, Westcliff University?
Western State, Westcliff University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $54,840 versus San Francisco's $59,800.
Which has better bar passage, San Francisco or Western State, Westcliff University?
San Francisco has the higher first-time bar passage, 74.56% against Western State, Westcliff University's 63.64%.
Which has better job outcomes, San Francisco or Western State, Westcliff University?
Western State, Westcliff University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (91.4% vs 84.2%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.