Elon University vs. Wake Forest University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are North Carolina law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Wake Forest University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 166 vs 154); Wake Forest University posts the higher first-time bar passage (88.2% vs 76.8%); Elon University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($45,333 vs $57,920); Wake Forest University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.7% vs 88.9%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Elon University | Wake Forest University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 154 | 166 | Wake Forest University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.40 | 3.79 | Wake Forest University |
| Acceptance rate | 53.2% | 24.6% | Wake Forest University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $45,333 | $57,920 | Elon University |
| Non-resident tuition | $45,333 | $57,920 | Elon University |
| Median grant | $23,571 | $40,000 | Wake Forest University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 76.8% | 88.2% | Wake Forest University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 87.1% | 98.5% | Wake Forest University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -2 pts | +8.9 pts | Wake Forest University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 88.9% | 98.7% | Wake Forest University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 2.2% | 33.6% | Wake Forest University |
| Federal clerkships | 0.7% | 4.4% | Wake Forest University |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
Elon University full profile · Wake Forest University full profile · Pin both on the interactive map → · All North Carolina law schools
FAQ
Is Elon University or Wake Forest University harder to get into?
Wake Forest University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 166 against Elon University's 154.
Which is cheaper, Elon University or Wake Forest University?
Elon University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $45,333 versus Wake Forest University's $57,920.
Which has better bar passage, Elon University or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University has the higher first-time bar passage, 88.2% against Elon University's 76.8%.
Which has better job outcomes, Elon University or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.7% vs 88.9%).
Elon 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), Wake Forest 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.