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Head-to-head · 11 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 100% chose GW. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 11 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.

11
cross-admits

Cross-admit decision

Of 11 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Catholic University Of America logo Chose Catholic University
0%
Chose GW George Washington University logo
100%

Typical aid · ABA 509 · 2025

per year
$26,000
99.0% get a grant
$35,580 net tuition
$28,000
77.0% get a grant
$47,420 net tuition

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

n < 5
$76,500
n = 8
View all-time (31 cross-admits)
7% chose Catholic University 93% chose GW
Rank summary
Catholic University
#119
LSD
USN #70
GW
#32
LSD
USN #26
LSD rank reflects where admitted applicants actually enroll. USN ranks come from US News.

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Catholic University Of America logo
Catholic University
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
George Washington University logo
GW
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
USN Rank
#70
#26
LSD Rank
75+ (0.001)
#32 (0.013)
LSAT 25th
158
162
LSAT Median
161
168
LSAT 75th
163
170
GPA Median
3.68
3.86
Acceptance Rate
32.4%
27.2%
Class Size
182
612
Yield Rate
29.6%
22.5%

Financial

Sticker price and scholarship aid
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Catholic University Of America logo
Catholic University
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
George Washington University logo
GW
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
Tuition (In-State)
$61,580
$75,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,580
$75,420
Median Grant
$26,000
$28,000
% Receiving Grants
99.0%
77.0%

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
Catholic University Of America logo
Catholic University
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
George Washington University logo
GW
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
BigLaw (501+)
10.6%
24.1%
Federal Clerkships
1.8%
2.6%
State & Local Clerkships
20.4%
7.2%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
92.9%
96.8%
Bar Pass Rate
83.1%
90.2%

Overview

About Catholic University vs GW

Across 11 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 0% enrolled at Catholic University Of America and 100% at George Washington 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.

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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Catholic University Of America and George Washington University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, George Washington University is ranked #26 compared to #70 — a gap of 44 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: George Washington University has a median LSAT of 168 compared to 161, a gap of 7 points. This suggests applicants to George Washington University face a more competitive admissions pool.

Both schools are located in Washington, D.C. — Catholic University Of America in Washington, D.C. and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.

Employment outcomes differ substantially: George Washington University places 24.1% of graduates into large law firm positions, compared to 10.6% for the other school. This 14 percentage point gap is significant for applicants targeting BigLaw careers.

On cost, Catholic University Of America has lower tuition at $61,580 per year compared to $75,420. Combined with employment rates of 92.9% (Catholic University) and 96.8% (GW), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.