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Head-to-head · 14 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 93% chose 'Nova. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 14 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.

14
cross-admits
3
cycles
+25pt
YoY shift

Cross-admit decision

Of 14 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Villanova University logo Chose 'Nova
93%
Chose Drexel University Drexel University logo
7%

Median scholarship (chose 'Nova)

$141,000 / yr

Median scholarship (chose Drexel University)

$152,100 / yr
View all-time (50 cross-admits)
80% chose 'Nova 20% chose Drexel University

Trend · 'Nova's share

2014–2024

Lowest cycle

75%

Highest cycle

100%
3 cycles
100 50 0 14 20 24 2014: 75% 2020: 100% 2024: 100%
'Nova #38 · Drexel University #89 LSD n≈7/yr

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Villanova University logo
'Nova
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Drexel University logo
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
USN Rank
#49
#82
LSD Rank
#38 (0.013)
75+ (0.003)
LSAT 25th
159
154
LSAT Median
164
160
LSAT 75th
166
162
GPA Median
3.80
3.76
Acceptance Rate
25.9%
29.6%
Class Size
232
181
Yield Rate
30.8%
22.2%

Financial

Sticker price, scholarships, and debt burden
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Villanova University logo
'Nova
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Drexel University logo
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tuition (In-State)
$59,800
$57,000
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$59,800
$57,000
Median Grant
$40,000
$28,667
% Receiving Grants
87.0%
76.0%
Avg. Debt at Graduation
-
-

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2024 ABA Employment
Metric
Villanova University logo
'Nova
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Drexel University logo
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
BigLaw (501+)
20.1%
16.9%
Judicial Clerkships
12.6%
14.0%
Median Salary (Private)
$110,000
$125,000
Employment Rate
92.5%
94.1%
Bar Pass Rate
91.3%
85.0%

Overview

About 'Nova vs Drexel University

Across 14 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 93% enrolled at Villanova University and 7% at Drexel University. The split has shifted +25 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.

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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Villanova University and Drexel University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, Villanova University is ranked #49 compared to #82 — a gap of 33 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Villanova University has a median LSAT of 164 compared to 160, a gap of 4 points. This suggests applicants to Villanova University face a more competitive admissions pool.

Both schools are located in Pennsylvania — Villanova University in Villanova and Drexel University in Philadelphia — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.

Among cross-admitted applicants, Drexel University offered a median scholarship of $152,100 compared to $141,000, a difference of $11,100 that may factor into enrollment decisions.