Santa Clara University vs. Southwestern Law School: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

Both are California law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Santa Clara University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 159 vs 157); Santa Clara University posts the higher first-time bar passage (74.77% vs 64.93%); Southwestern Law School is cheaper on sticker tuition ($63,160 vs $65,540); Southwestern Law School places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (83.4% vs 79.8%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricSanta Clara UniversitySouthwestern Law SchoolBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT159157Santa Clara University
Median undergraduate GPA3.503.51Southwestern Law School
Acceptance rate52.6%36.5%Southwestern Law School
Cost
Resident tuition$65,540$63,160Southwestern Law School
Non-resident tuition$65,540$63,160Southwestern Law School
Median grant$40,000$29,166Santa Clara University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage74.77%64.93%Santa Clara University
Two-year ultimate bar passage83.1%87.83%Southwestern Law School
Bar passage vs. state average-3.2 pts-12.8 ptsSanta Clara University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment79.8%83.4%Southwestern Law School
Large-firm (250+) employment19.2%5.5%Santa Clara University
Federal clerkships0.5%0.3%Santa Clara University

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 70.28% in 2011 to 74.77% in 202550%60%70%80%111315182022242574.77%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Santa Clara University — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 58.57% in 2011 to 64.93% in 202540%50%60%70%80%90%111315182022242564.93%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Southwestern Law School — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $41,790 in 2011 to $65,540 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,0001113151719212325$65,540
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Santa Clara University — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $42,200 in 2011 to $63,160 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,0001113151719212325$63,160
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Southwestern Law School — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

Santa Clara University full profile · Southwestern Law School full profile · All California law schools

FAQ

Is Santa Clara University or Southwestern Law School harder to get into?

Santa Clara University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 159 against Southwestern Law School's 157.

Which is cheaper, Santa Clara University or Southwestern Law School?

Southwestern Law School is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $63,160 versus Santa Clara University's $65,540.

Which has better bar passage, Santa Clara University or Southwestern Law School?

Santa Clara University has the higher first-time bar passage, 74.77% against Southwestern Law School's 64.93%.

Which has better job outcomes, Santa Clara University or Southwestern Law School?

Southwestern Law School places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (83.4% vs 79.8%).

Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.

Exhibit 509 by 509αNewsletterTermsPrivacyAccessibilitySitemap● Sourced from ABA Standard 509 · Last synced June 26, 2026