Southwestern Law School vs. Western State, Westcliff University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are California law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Southwestern Law School is the more selective admit (median LSAT 157 vs 152); Southwestern Law School posts the higher first-time bar passage (64.93% vs 63.64%); Western State, Westcliff University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($54,840 vs $63,160); Western State, Westcliff University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (91.4% vs 83.4%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Southwestern Law School | Western State, Westcliff University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 157 | 152 | Southwestern Law School |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.51 | 3.36 | Southwestern Law School |
| Acceptance rate | 36.5% | 43.7% | Southwestern Law School |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $63,160 | $54,840 | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Non-resident tuition | $63,160 | $54,840 | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Median grant | $29,166 | $23,616 | Southwestern Law School |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 64.93% | 63.64% | Southwestern Law School |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 87.83% | 67.86% | Southwestern Law School |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -12.8 pts | -14.1 pts | Southwestern Law School |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 83.4% | 91.4% | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 5.5% | 2.2% | Southwestern Law School |
| Federal clerkships | 0.3% | 0% | Southwestern Law School |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Southwestern Law School full profile · Western State, Westcliff University full profile · All California law schools
FAQ
Is Southwestern Law School or Western State, Westcliff University harder to get into?
Southwestern Law School is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 157 against Western State, Westcliff University's 152.
Which is cheaper, Southwestern Law School or Western State, Westcliff University?
Western State, Westcliff University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $54,840 versus Southwestern Law School's $63,160.
Which has better bar passage, Southwestern Law School or Western State, Westcliff University?
Southwestern Law School has the higher first-time bar passage, 64.93% against Western State, Westcliff University's 63.64%.
Which has better job outcomes, Southwestern Law School or Western State, Westcliff University?
Western State, Westcliff University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (91.4% vs 83.4%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.