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Boston University vs George Washington University

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

Cross-Admit Decision Data

Of 59 applicants admitted to both schools:

75%
25%
Median scholarship: $82,500 Median scholarship: $120,000

Based on 59 self-reported cross-admit decisions from the last 5 cycles

View all-time data (168 cross-admits)
59% chose BU 41% chose GW

168 total cross-admit decisions (all cycles)

BU is #23 · GW is #36 in the LSD rankings

See full LSD.Law school rankings →
About this comparison

This page compares Boston University and George Washington University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 59 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 59 applicants admitted to both schools, 75% chose to attend Boston University. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, Boston University is ranked #22 compared to #31 — a gap of 9 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

Boston University is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 12.1% compared to George Washington University's 27.2%.

Boston University is located in Boston, Massachusetts, while George Washington University is in Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.. 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, Boston University has lower tuition at $69,870 per year compared to $75,420. Combined with employment rates of 91.2% (BU) and 96.5% (GW), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants, George Washington University offered a median scholarship of $120,000 compared to $82,500, a difference of $37,500 that may factor into enrollment decisions.

Compare Another Pair

Boston University
vs
George Washington University

Admissions Comparison

2025 ABA 509

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

Metric BU GW
USN Rank #22 #31
LSD Rank #23 (0.043) #36 (0.016)
LSAT 25th 164 162
LSAT Median 170 168
LSAT 75th 171 170
GPA Median 3.88 3.86
Acceptance Rate 12.1% 27.2%
Class Size 238 612
Yield Rate 24.6% 22.5%

Financial Comparison

2025 ABA 509

Tuition, scholarships, and debt burden at each school.

Metric BU GW
Tuition (In-State) $69,870 $75,420
Tuition (Out-of-State) $69,870 $75,420
Median Grant $29,000 $28,000
% Receiving Grants 91.0% 77.0%
Avg. Debt at Graduation - -

Employment Outcomes

2024 ABA 509

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

Metric BU GW
BigLaw (501+) 35.7% 30.0%
Judicial Clerkships 9.1% 10.5%
Median Salary (Private) $225,000 $215,000
Employment Rate 91.2% 96.5%
Bar Pass Rate 92.3% 90.2%

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