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Head-to-head · 22 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 68% chose 'Nova. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 22 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.

22
cross-admits
2
cycles
-27pt
YoY shift

Cross-admit decision

Of 22 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Villanova University logo Chose 'Nova
68%
Chose NUSL Northeastern University logo
32%

Typical aid · ABA 509 · 2025

per year
$40,000
87.0% get a grant
$19,800 net tuition
$31,000
95.0% get a grant
$34,652 net tuition

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

$141,000
n = 15
$144,000
n = 7
View all-time (35 cross-admits)
69% chose 'Nova 31% chose NUSL

Trend · 'Nova's share

2021–2025

Lowest cycle

40%

Highest cycle

67%
2 cycles
100 50 0 21 25 2021: 67% 2025: 40%
'Nova #42 · NUSL #55 LSD n≈7/yr

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Villanova University logo
'Nova
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Northeastern University logo
NUSL
Boston, Massachusetts
USN Rank
#49
#77
LSD Rank
#42 (0.011)
Top 75 (0.006)
LSAT 25th
159
161
LSAT Median
164
164
LSAT 75th
166
166
GPA Median
3.80
3.77
Acceptance Rate
25.9%
24.2%
Class Size
232
283
Yield Rate
30.8%
20.4%

Financial

Sticker price and scholarship aid
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Villanova University logo
'Nova
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Northeastern University logo
NUSL
Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition (In-State)
$59,800
$65,652
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$59,800
$65,652
Median Grant
$40,000
$31,000
% Receiving Grants
87.0%
95.0%

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
Villanova University logo
'Nova
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Northeastern University logo
NUSL
Boston, Massachusetts
BigLaw (501+)
19.6%
16.4%
Federal Clerkships
1.6%
2.3%
State & Local Clerkships
12.5%
5.6%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
94.6%
87.8%
Bar Pass Rate
91.3%
87.4%

Overview

About 'Nova vs NUSL

Across 22 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 68% enrolled at Villanova University and 32% at Northeastern University. The split has shifted -27 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.

Deciding between 'Nova and NUSL? Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data.
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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Villanova University and Northeastern University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 22 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 22 applicants admitted to both schools, 68% chose to attend Villanova University. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, Villanova University is ranked #49 compared to #77 — a gap of 28 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

Villanova University is located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, 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.

On cost, Villanova University has lower tuition at $59,800 per year compared to $65,652. Combined with employment rates of 94.6% ('Nova) and 87.8% (NUSL), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.