Harvard University vs. University of Chicago
Side by side: median LSAT, median GPA, estimated tuition, and selectivity rank for two of the most compared law schools. Medians from ABA Standard 509 disclosures via ILRG, Fall 2025 entering class.
| Measure | Harvard University | University of Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Cambridge, MA | Chicago, IL |
| Selectivity rank | #2 | #2 |
| Median LSAT | 174 | 174 |
| Median GPA | 3.96 | 3.97 |
| Est. annual tuition | $77,100 | $83,316 |
| Est. 3-year tuition | $231,300 | $249,948 |
Pros and cons, from the data
Harvard University
Pros
- Lower sticker tuition than University of Chicago
- Lower median GPA (3.96 vs. 3.97)
Cons
University of Chicago
Pros
- More selective (rank #2), which can mean stronger outcomes for graduates
Cons
- Higher sticker tuition than Harvard University
- Higher median GPA (3.97 vs. 3.96)
Pros and cons are computed from the medians and sticker prices above, not from reviews. Scholarships can erase a sticker-price gap.
How to choose between them
Start with your numbers. If your LSAT sits at or above 174, Harvard University is a target for you; if it sits below, it is a reach. Do the same math against 174 for University of Chicago. Then weigh the cost gap: about $18,648 over three years at sticker, before scholarships. A school whose median you clear is also a school more likely to offer you merit aid, which can erase a sticker-price gap. Visit if you can. Talk to recent graduates doing the work you want to do. The medians get you a short list; the visit and the aid letter make the decision.
More comparisons
Open this pair in the comparison tool to swap in other schools. Or try another popular pair:
- Harvard University vs. Yale University
- Harvard University vs. Stanford University
- Yale University vs. Stanford University
- Harvard University vs. Columbia University
- Yale University vs. Columbia University
- Columbia University vs. Stanford University
What LSAT do you need for Harvard University? · What LSAT do you need for University of Chicago?
Last updated October 12, 2026