Hate ads? Verify for LSD+ → Learn More

Head-to-head · 28 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 71% chose OSU. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 28 self-reported decisions and ABA 509 filings.

Choice, not ranking

These are decisions, not opinions. Scholarship offers, location, intended practice, and personal fit are all priced into the split.

28
cross-admits
8
cycles
-23pt
YoY shift

Cross-admit decision

Of 28 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Ohio State University logo Chose OSU
71%
Chose Case Western Case Western Reserve University logo
29%

Median scholarship (chose OSU)

$52,000 / yr

Median scholarship (chose Case Western)

$159,000 / yr
View all-time (84 cross-admits)
80% chose OSU 20% chose Case Western

Trend · OSU's share

2004–2024

Lowest cycle

60%

Highest cycle

100%
8 cycles
100 50 0 04 06 07 09 20 21 23 24 2004: 86% 2006: 100% 2007: 100% 2009: 67% 2020: 67% 2021: 60% 2023: 80% 2024: 63%
OSU #32 · Case Western #53 LSD n≈6/yr

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Ohio State University logo
OSU
Columbus , Ohio
Case Western Reserve University logo
Case Western
Cleveland, Ohio
USN Rank
#30
#100
LSD Rank
#32 (0.015)
Top 75 (0.005)
LSAT 25th
163
156
LSAT Median
168
162
LSAT 75th
169
164
GPA Median
3.91
3.76
Acceptance Rate
24.6%
34.8%
Class Size
159
180
Yield Rate
28.0%
22.6%

Financial

Sticker price, scholarships, and debt burden
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Ohio State University logo
OSU
Columbus , Ohio
Case Western Reserve University logo
Case Western
Cleveland, Ohio
Tuition (In-State)
$35,650
$64,600
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$50,902
$64,600
Median Grant
$29,984
$42,500
% Receiving Grants
90.0%
98.0%
Avg. Debt at Graduation
-
-

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2024 ABA Employment
Metric
Ohio State University logo
OSU
Columbus , Ohio
Case Western Reserve University logo
Case Western
Cleveland, Ohio
BigLaw (501+)
12.8%
12.9%
Judicial Clerkships
6.7%
3.2%
Median Salary (Private)
$105,000
$100,000
Employment Rate
94.4%
89.0%
Bar Pass Rate
92.0%
81.9%

Overview

About OSU vs Case Western

Across 28 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 71% enrolled at Ohio State University and 29% at Case Western Reserve University. The split has shifted -23 points across the tracked cycles.

These numbers reflect every factor that goes into a real decision: scholarship offers, geographic preference, intended practice area, and fit. Choosing one school doesn't mean it's "better" — it means the pool of cross-admits, weighing their options, ended up there more often. Pair this with the scholarship distribution and employment outcomes above for full context.

Looking at a different matchup? Browse all comparisons or run a custom pair from the index.

Deciding between OSU and Case Western? Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data.
Join waitlist →

Compare another pair

vs
Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 28 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 28 applicants admitted to both schools, 71% chose to attend Ohio State University. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, Ohio State University is ranked #30 compared to #100 — a gap of 70 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Ohio State University has a median LSAT of 168 compared to 162, a gap of 6 points. This suggests applicants to Ohio State University face a more competitive admissions pool.

Both schools are located in Ohio — Ohio State University in Columbus and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.

On cost, Ohio State University has lower tuition at $35,650 per year compared to $64,600. Combined with employment rates of 94.4% (OSU) and 89.0% (Case Western), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants, Case Western Reserve University offered a median scholarship of $159,000 compared to $52,000, a difference of $107,000 that may factor into enrollment decisions.