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American University vs Villanova University

Side-by-side comparison of admissions, costs, and outcomes

Cross-Admit Decision Data

Of 22 applicants admitted to both schools:

0%
100%
Median scholarship: $120,000 Median scholarship: $126,000

Based on 22 self-reported cross-admit decisions from the last 5 cycles

View all-time data (45 cross-admits)
20% chose AU 80% chose 'Nova

45 total cross-admit decisions (all cycles)

AU is 150+ · 'Nova is #36 in the LSD rankings

See full LSD.Law school rankings →
About this comparison

This page compares American University and Villanova University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 22 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 22 applicants admitted to both schools, 100% chose to attend Villanova University. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, Villanova University is ranked #48 compared to #104 — a gap of 56 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

American University is located in Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C., while Villanova University is in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

On cost, Villanova University has lower tuition at $59,800 per year compared to $66,990. Combined with employment rates of 83.0% (AU) and 92.5% ('Nova), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Compare Another Pair

American University
vs
Villanova University

Admissions Comparison

2025 ABA 509

How these schools compare on LSAT, GPA, selectivity, and class composition.

Metric AU 'Nova
USN Rank #104 #48
LSD Rank 150+ (0.002) #36 (0.016)
LSAT 25th 157 159
LSAT Median 162 164
LSAT 75th 163 166
GPA Median 3.63 3.80
Acceptance Rate 33.3% 25.9%
Class Size 405 232
Yield Rate 20.2% 30.8%

Financial Comparison

2025 ABA 509

Tuition, scholarships, and debt burden at each school.

Metric AU 'Nova
Tuition (In-State) $66,990 $59,800
Tuition (Out-of-State) $66,990 $59,800
Median Grant $40,000 $40,000
% Receiving Grants 59.0% 87.0%
Avg. Debt at Graduation - -

Employment Outcomes

2024 ABA 509

Post-graduation employment placement, salaries, and bar passage.

Metric AU 'Nova
BigLaw (501+) 13.4% 20.1%
Judicial Clerkships 13.9% 12.6%
Median Salary (Private) $100,000 $110,000
Employment Rate 83.0% 92.5%
Bar Pass Rate 81.3% 91.3%

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