Charleston vs. Elon University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Elon University posts the higher first-time bar passage (76.81% vs 74.07%); Elon University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($45,333 vs $48,600); Elon University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (88.9% vs 81.4%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricCharlestonElon UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT154154Tie
Median undergraduate GPA3.513.40Charleston
Acceptance rate50.2%53.2%Charleston
Cost
Resident tuition$48,600$45,333Elon University
Non-resident tuition$48,600$45,333Elon University
Median grant$20,000$23,571Elon University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage74.07%76.81%Elon University
Two-year ultimate bar passage84.91%87.1%Elon University
Bar passage vs. state average-2.8 pts-2 ptsElon University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment81.4%88.9%Elon University
Large-firm (250+) employment2%2.2%Elon University
Federal clerkships0.5%0.7%Elon University

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 77.46% in 2011 to 74.07% in 202540%50%60%70%80%111315182022242574.07%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Charleston — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 79.27% in 2011 to 76.81% in 202540%50%60%70%80%90%111315182022242576.81%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Elon University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $36,774 in 2011 to $48,600 in 2025$35,000$40,000$45,000$50,0001113151719212325$48,600
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Charleston — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $34,550 in 2011 to $45,333 in 2025$30,000$35,000$40,000$45,000$50,0001113151719212325$45,333
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Elon University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

FAQ

Which is cheaper, Charleston or Elon University?

Elon University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $45,333 versus Charleston's $48,600.

Which has better bar passage, Charleston or Elon University?

Elon University has the higher first-time bar passage, 76.81% against Charleston's 74.07%.

Which has better job outcomes, Charleston or Elon University?

Elon University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (88.9% vs 81.4%).

Charleston vs Elon University: which is better?

It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), Elon University leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.

Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.

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