Washington and Lee University vs. Wisconsin: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Washington and Lee University posts the higher first-time bar passage (89.4% vs 80.0%); Wisconsin is cheaper on sticker tuition ($36,526 vs $57,450); Wisconsin places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (95.3% vs 92.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Washington and Lee University | Wisconsin | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 167 | 167 | Tie |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.75 | 3.81 | Wisconsin |
| Acceptance rate | 22.7% | 19.1% | Wisconsin |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $57,450 | $36,526 | Wisconsin |
| Non-resident tuition | $57,450 | $53,640 | Wisconsin |
| Median grant | $33,500 | $35,000 | Wisconsin |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 89.4% | 80.0% | Washington and Lee University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 95.8% | 85.7% | Washington and Lee University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +9.3 pts | +1.3 pts | Washington and Lee University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 92.7% | 95.3% | Wisconsin |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 35.4% | 19.2% | Washington and Lee University |
| Federal clerkships | 9.1% | 3.5% | Washington and Lee University |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
Washington and Lee University full profile · Wisconsin full profile · Pin both on the interactive map →
FAQ
Which is cheaper, Washington and Lee University or Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $36,526 versus Washington and Lee University's $57,450.
Which has better bar passage, Washington and Lee University or Wisconsin?
Washington and Lee University has the higher first-time bar passage, 89.4% against Wisconsin's 80.0%.
Which has better job outcomes, Washington and Lee University or Wisconsin?
Wisconsin places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (95.3% vs 92.7%).
Washington and Lee University vs Wisconsin: 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), Wisconsin 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.