Duke University vs. Wake Forest University: 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 166); Duke University posts the higher first-time bar passage (97.48% vs 88.24%); Wake Forest University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($57,920 vs $80,100).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Duke University | Wake Forest University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 171 | 166 | Duke University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.91 | 3.79 | Duke University |
| Acceptance rate | 12.9% | 24.6% | Duke University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $80,100 | $57,920 | Wake Forest University |
| Non-resident tuition | $80,100 | $57,920 | Wake Forest University |
| Median grant | $35,000 | $40,000 | Wake Forest University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 97.48% | 88.24% | Duke University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 99.06% | 98.45% | Duke University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +14.5 pts | +8.9 pts | Duke University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 98.7% | 98.7% | Tie |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 73.1% | 33.6% | Duke University |
| Federal clerkships | 11.7% | 4.4% | Duke University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Duke University full profile · Wake Forest University full profile · All North Carolina law schools
FAQ
Is Duke University or Wake Forest University harder to get into?
Duke University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 171 against Wake Forest University's 166.
Which is cheaper, Duke University or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $57,920 versus Duke University's $80,100.
Which has better bar passage, Duke University or Wake Forest University?
Duke University has the higher first-time bar passage, 97.48% against Wake Forest University's 88.24%.
Duke University vs Wake Forest 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), 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.