HEAD TO HEAD, ABA 509 DATA 2025
Berkeley vs Boston University Law School: Which Is Harder to Get Into, and Which Pays Off (2025)
Berkeley and Boston University both median at a 170 LSAT and a 3.9 GPA, but BU is the harder admit by acceptance rate, 12.1% against Berkeley's 14.8%. Berkeley pulls ahead on outcomes though, placing 59.1% of grads into biglaw against BU's 48.1%.
Combined, Berkeley and Boston University took in 14,454 applications in 2025. That volume is exactly why this comparison matters: run the numbers side by side before you build out your list. Then put your own LSAT and GPA through the calculator, so you know where you land against each school's 25th to 75th percentile band before you decide which one gets the early application.
Side by side
| Metric | Berkeley | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| LSAT 25th | 167 | 164 |
| LSAT 50th | 170 | 170 |
| LSAT 75th | 172 | 171 |
| GPA 50th | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Acceptance rate | 14.8% | 12.1% |
| Sticker tuition/yr | $76,149 | $69,870 |
| Gets some grant | 85.9% | 91.2% |
| Pays full sticker | 14.1% | 8.8% |
| FT/LT jobs | 97.8% | 96% |
| Biglaw (101+ firm) | 59.1% | 48.1% |
| Federal clerkships | 8.8% | 3.7% |
| Bar pass rate | 88.2% | 87.7% |
The verdict, 3 ways
Harder to get into
Boston University is the harder admit by acceptance rate, 12.1% against Berkeley's 14.8%, even though the 2 schools tie on median LSAT, 170, and GPA, 3.9. Berkeley's applicant pool actually runs deeper at the floor, a 167 LSAT 25th percentile to BU's 164, but BU is admitting a smaller share of who applies.
Cheaper after aid
Boston University is the cheaper school. Its sticker runs $69,870 against Berkeley's $76,149, and BU discounts more of its students too, 91.2% get a grant compared to Berkeley's 85.9%. Only 8.8% of BU students pay full sticker versus 14.1% at Berkeley. BU wins on both the headline number and the aid picture.
Better outcomes
Berkeley wins outcomes clearly. Its 2024 grads placed 59.1% into biglaw against Boston University's 48.1%, and Berkeley more than doubled BU's federal clerkship rate, 8.8% to 3.7%. Full-time, long-term placement and bar passage are close between the two, 97.8% versus 96.0% and 88.2% versus 87.7%. The biglaw and clerkship gaps are what separate them.
Full data on each: Berkeley and Boston University. Run your own numbers through the LSAT Unplugged law school chances calculator. See what 1 extra LSAT point is worth in grants at both schools.
FAQ
Is Berkeley or Boston University harder to get into?
Boston University, by acceptance rate: 12.1% versus Berkeley's 14.8%. Both schools tie on median LSAT, 170, and GPA, 3.9, though Berkeley's LSAT floor runs higher, 167 to BU's 164.
Which is cheaper, Berkeley or Boston University?
Boston University. Its sticker is $69,870 against Berkeley's $76,149, and BU discounts more of its students too, 91.2% to Berkeley's 85.9%.
Which has better job outcomes, Berkeley or Boston University?
Berkeley. It places 59.1% of grads into biglaw against Boston University's 48.1%, and more than doubles BU's federal clerkship rate, 8.8% to 3.7%. Full-time placement and bar passage are close between the two.
Should I apply to both Berkeley and Boston University?
Yes. Both schools median at a 170 LSAT and 3.9 GPA, so a competitive applicant for one is competitive for the other, and the two win on different fronts worth comparing once you have offers.
Source: ABA Standard 509 Information Reports, 2025, via LSAT Unplugged's 509 master. Verify against each school's own filing before relying on it. Last updated 2026-10-10.
