Washington University in St. Louis vs. Vanderbilt University
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 | Washington University in St. Louis | Vanderbilt University |
|---|---|---|
| Location | St. Louis, MO | Nashville, TN |
| Selectivity rank | #1 | #18 |
| Median LSAT | 175 | 170 |
| Median GPA | 3.96 | 3.91 |
| Est. annual tuition | $72,792 | $76,440 |
| Est. 3-year tuition | $218,376 | $229,320 |
Pros and cons, from the data
Washington University in St. Louis
Pros
- Lower sticker tuition than Vanderbilt University
Cons
- Higher median LSAT (175 vs. 170) — harder to clear
- Higher median GPA (3.96 vs. 3.91)
Vanderbilt University
Pros
- Lower median LSAT (170 vs. 175) — easier to be at or above
- Lower median GPA (3.91 vs. 3.96)
Cons
- Higher sticker tuition than Washington University in St. Louis
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 175, Washington University in St. Louis is a target for you; if it sits below, it is a reach. Do the same math against 170 for Vanderbilt University. Then weigh the cost gap: about $10,944 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:
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What LSAT do you need for Washington University in St. Louis? · What LSAT do you need for Vanderbilt University?
Last updated October 12, 2026