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Head-to-head · 13 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 54% chose NUSL. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 13 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.

13
cross-admits

Cross-admit decision

Of 13 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Northeastern University logo Chose NUSL
54%
Chose Case Western Case Western Reserve University logo
46%

Typical aid · ABA 509 · 2025

per year
$31,000
95.0% get a grant
$34,652 net tuition
$42,500
98.0% get a grant
$22,100 net tuition

Cross-admits who enrolled · self-reported, 3-yr award

$181,200
n = 7
$182,600
n = 5
Rank summary
NUSL
#54
LSD
USN #77
Case Western
#69
LSD
USN #100
LSD rank reflects where admitted applicants actually enroll. USN ranks come from US News.

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Northeastern University logo
NUSL
Boston, Massachusetts
Case Western Reserve University logo
Case Western
Cleveland, Ohio
USN Rank
#77
#100
LSD Rank
Top 75 (0.006)
Top 75 (0.004)
LSAT 25th
161
156
LSAT Median
164
162
LSAT 75th
166
164
GPA Median
3.77
3.76
Acceptance Rate
24.2%
34.8%
Class Size
283
180
Yield Rate
20.4%
22.6%

Financial

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

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
Northeastern University logo
NUSL
Boston, Massachusetts
Case Western Reserve University logo
Case Western
Cleveland, Ohio
BigLaw (501+)
16.4%
12.0%
Federal Clerkships
2.3%
2.8%
State & Local Clerkships
5.6%
1.4%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
87.8%
92.3%
Bar Pass Rate
87.4%
81.9%

Overview

About NUSL vs Case Western

Across 13 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 54% enrolled at Northeastern University and 46% at Case Western Reserve 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 NUSL and Case Western? Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data.
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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Northeastern University and Case Western Reserve 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.

Northeastern University is located in Boston, Massachusetts, while Case Western Reserve University is in Cleveland, Ohio. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.