Northwestern University vs University of Pennsylvania

This page compares Northwestern University and University of Pennsylvania across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 68 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 68 applicants admitted to both schools, 93% chose to attend University of Pennsylvania. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, University of Pennsylvania is ranked #5 compared to #10 — a gap of 5 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

University of Pennsylvania is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 8.1% compared to Northwestern University's 12.3%.

Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois, while University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

Among cross-admitted applicants, Northwestern University offered a median scholarship of $172,500 compared to $139,789, a difference of $32,711 that may factor into enrollment decisions.