Harvard University vs University of Alabama

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

In the U.S. News rankings, Harvard University is ranked #6 compared to #31 — a gap of 25 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Harvard University has a median LSAT of 174 compared to 167, a gap of 7 points. This suggests applicants to Harvard University face a more competitive admissions pool.

Harvard University is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 9.2% compared to University of Alabama's 25.6%.

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, while University of Alabama is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

Employment outcomes differ substantially: Harvard University places 51.4% of graduates into large law firm positions, compared to 20.1% for the other school. This 31 percentage point gap is significant for applicants targeting BigLaw careers.

On cost, University of Alabama has lower tuition at $24,980 per year compared to $77,100. Combined with employment rates of 90.7% (HLS) and 92.2% ('Bama), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.