Boston University vs Washington University in St. Louis

This page compares Boston University and Washington University in St. Louis across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 32 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 32 applicants admitted to both schools, 78% chose to attend Washington University in St. Louis. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, Washington University in St. Louis is ranked #14 compared to #22 — a gap of 8 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Washington University in St. Louis has a median LSAT of 175 compared to 170, a gap of 5 points. This suggests applicants to Washington University in St. Louis face a more competitive admissions pool.

Boston University is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 12.1% compared to Washington University in St. Louis's 19.0%.

Boston University is located in Boston, Massachusetts, while Washington University in St. Louis is in St. Louis, Missouri. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

Among cross-admitted applicants, Washington University in St. Louis offered a median scholarship of $165,000 compared to $112,500, a difference of $52,500 that may factor into enrollment decisions.