Suffolk University vs. Western New England University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Massachusetts law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Suffolk University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 155 vs 153); Suffolk University posts the higher first-time bar passage (79.4% vs 77.2%); Western New England University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($50,320 vs $62,610); Suffolk University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (89.4% vs 69.0%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Suffolk University | Western New England University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 155 | 153 | Suffolk University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.58 | 3.27 | Suffolk University |
| Acceptance rate | 61.9% | 51.9% | Western New England University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $62,610 | $50,320 | Western New England University |
| Non-resident tuition | $62,610 | $50,320 | Western New England University |
| Median grant | $22,445 | $30,000 | Western New England University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 79.4% | 77.2% | Suffolk University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 87.8% | 86.4% | Suffolk University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -4.1 pts | -3.6 pts | Western New England University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 89.4% | 69.0% | Suffolk University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 11.2% | 1.2% | Suffolk University |
| Federal clerkships | 1.1% | 0.0% | Suffolk University |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
Suffolk University full profile · Western New England University full profile · Pin both on the interactive map → · All Massachusetts law schools
FAQ
Is Suffolk University or Western New England University harder to get into?
Suffolk University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 155 against Western New England University's 153.
Which is cheaper, Suffolk University or Western New England University?
Western New England University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $50,320 versus Suffolk University's $62,610.
Which has better bar passage, Suffolk University or Western New England University?
Suffolk University has the higher first-time bar passage, 79.4% against Western New England University's 77.2%.
Which has better job outcomes, Suffolk University or Western New England University?
Suffolk University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (89.4% vs 69.0%).
Suffolk University vs Western New England 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), Suffolk 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.