Syracuse University vs. Pace University: Which Should You Pick?

Two strong schools, one decision. Here are the numbers that actually differ between them, then a straight answer on who should pick which. Medians from ABA Standard 509 disclosures via ILRG, Fall 2025 entering class.

Median LSAT
158 vs. 154
a 4-point gap
Three-year sticker gap
$24,006
Pace University costs less at sticker
Selectivity rank
#100 vs. #148
by median LSAT
Full comparison. Tuition is the 2025-2026 sticker price, an estimate.
MeasureSyracuse UniversityPace University
LocationSyracuse, NYWhite Plains, NY
Selectivity rank#100#148
Median LSAT158154
Median GPA3.603.54
Est. annual tuition$64,650$56,648
Est. 3-year tuition$193,950$169,944

Who should pick Syracuse University

Pick Syracuse University if your numbers sit at or above its medians (158 LSAT, 3.60 GPA), which also puts you in the best position for merit aid there. Pick it if you want to start your career in Syracuse: local alumni networks, clinics, and externships tilt heavily toward the school's home market.

Who should pick Pace University

Pick Pace University if your numbers clear its medians (154 LSAT, 3.54 GPA) more comfortably, or if White Plains is where you want to live and work after graduation. It costs about $24,006 less than Syracuse University over three years at sticker. If both schools admit you, negotiate: competing offers from peer schools are the most effective way to bring the real price down.

The deciding factors

We do not publish employment outcomes, so check each school's ABA-required employment summary before deciding. For the classic top pairs (Harvard vs. Yale, Columbia vs. NYU, and more), see our comparison pages at /law-schools/compare.

More head-to-head comparisons

Is Syracuse University worth it? · Is Pace University worth it?

Last updated October 12, 2026