Duke University vs. North Carolina: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are North Carolina law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Duke University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 171 vs 168); Duke University posts the higher first-time bar passage (97.48% vs 92.27%); North Carolina is cheaper on sticker tuition ($28,082 vs $80,100); Duke University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.7% vs 97.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Duke University | North Carolina | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 171 | 168 | Duke University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.91 | 3.89 | Duke University |
| Acceptance rate | 12.9% | 11.2% | North Carolina |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $80,100 | $28,082 | North Carolina |
| Non-resident tuition | $80,100 | $51,320 | North Carolina |
| Median grant | $35,000 | $17,000 | Duke University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 97.48% | 92.27% | Duke University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 99.06% | 94.62% | Duke University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +14.5 pts | +12.7 pts | Duke University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 98.7% | 97.3% | Duke University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 73.1% | 30.1% | Duke University |
| Federal clerkships | 11.7% | 4.4% | Duke University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Duke University full profile · North Carolina full profile · All North Carolina law schools
FAQ
Is Duke University or North Carolina harder to get into?
Duke University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 171 against North Carolina's 168.
Which is cheaper, Duke University or North Carolina?
North Carolina is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $28,082 versus Duke University's $80,100.
Which has better bar passage, Duke University or North Carolina?
Duke University has the higher first-time bar passage, 97.48% against North Carolina's 92.27%.
Which has better job outcomes, Duke University or North Carolina?
Duke University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.7% vs 97.3%).
Duke University vs North Carolina: 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), Duke 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.