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Head-to-head · 12 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 50% chose Case Western. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 12 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.

12
cross-admits

Cross-admit decision

Of 12 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Case Western Reserve University logo Chose Case Western
50%
Chose NUSL Northeastern University logo
50%

Median scholarship (chose Case Western)

$169,300 / yr

Median scholarship (chose NUSL)

$128,100 / yr
Rank summary
Case Western
#53
LSD
USN #100
NUSL
#63
LSD
USN #77
LSD rank reflects where admitted applicants actually enroll. USN ranks come from US News.

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Case Western Reserve University logo
Case Western
Cleveland, Ohio
Northeastern University logo
NUSL
Boston, Massachusetts
USN Rank
#100
#77
LSD Rank
Top 75 (0.005)
Top 75 (0.005)
LSAT 25th
156
161
LSAT Median
162
164
LSAT 75th
164
166
GPA Median
3.76
3.77
Acceptance Rate
34.8%
24.2%
Class Size
180
283
Yield Rate
22.6%
20.4%

Financial

Sticker price, scholarships, and debt burden
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Case Western Reserve University logo
Case Western
Cleveland, Ohio
Northeastern University logo
NUSL
Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition (In-State)
$64,600
$65,652
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$64,600
$65,652
Median Grant
$42,500
$31,000
% Receiving Grants
98.0%
95.0%
Avg. Debt at Graduation
-
-

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2024 ABA Employment
Metric
Case Western Reserve University logo
Case Western
Cleveland, Ohio
Northeastern University logo
NUSL
Boston, Massachusetts
BigLaw (501+)
12.9%
19.6%
Judicial Clerkships
3.2%
6.1%
Median Salary (Private)
$100,000
-
Employment Rate
89.0%
91.1%
Bar Pass Rate
81.9%
87.4%

Overview

About Case Western vs NUSL

Across 12 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 50% enrolled at Case Western Reserve University and 50% at Northeastern University.

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 Case Western and NUSL? Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data.
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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Case Western Reserve University and Northeastern University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, Northeastern University is ranked #77 compared to #100 — a gap of 23 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

Case Western Reserve University is located in Cleveland, Ohio, while Northeastern University is in Boston, Massachusetts. 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, Case Western Reserve University offered a median scholarship of $169,300 compared to $128,100, a difference of $41,200 that may factor into enrollment decisions.