Southern University vs. Tulane University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Louisiana law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Tulane University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 161 vs 147); Tulane University posts the higher first-time bar passage (77.73% vs 60.33%); Southern University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($11,338 vs $69,578); Tulane University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (89.7% vs 54.1%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Southern University | Tulane University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 147 | 161 | Tulane University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.15 | 3.67 | Tulane University |
| Acceptance rate | 56.5% | 40% | Tulane University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $11,338 | $69,578 | Southern University |
| Non-resident tuition | $11,338 | $69,578 | Southern University |
| Median grant | $11,000 | $37,500 | Tulane University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 60.33% | 77.73% | Tulane University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 75.95% | 90.75% | Tulane University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -15.6 pts | -1.5 pts | Tulane University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 54.1% | 89.7% | Tulane University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 2.6% | 22% | Tulane University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 7% | Tulane University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Southern University full profile · Tulane University full profile · All Louisiana law schools
FAQ
Is Southern University or Tulane University harder to get into?
Tulane University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 161 against Southern University's 147.
Which is cheaper, Southern University or Tulane University?
Southern University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $11,338 versus Tulane University's $69,578.
Which has better bar passage, Southern University or Tulane University?
Tulane University has the higher first-time bar passage, 77.73% against Southern University's 60.33%.
Which has better job outcomes, Southern University or Tulane University?
Tulane University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (89.7% vs 54.1%).
Southern University vs Tulane 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), Tulane 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.