North Carolina Central 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 151); Wake Forest University posts the higher first-time bar passage (88.24% vs 55.94%); North Carolina Central University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($13,444 vs $57,920); Wake Forest University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.7% vs 78.1%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | North Carolina Central University | Wake Forest University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 151 | 166 | Wake Forest University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.31 | 3.79 | Wake Forest University |
| Acceptance rate | 39.1% | 24.6% | Wake Forest University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $13,444 | $57,920 | North Carolina Central University |
| Non-resident tuition | $36,116 | $57,920 | North Carolina Central University |
| Median grant | $12,982 | $40,000 | Wake Forest University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 55.94% | 88.24% | Wake Forest University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 80.47% | 98.45% | Wake Forest University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -24 pts | +8.9 pts | Wake Forest University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 78.1% | 98.7% | Wake Forest University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 2.9% | 33.6% | Wake Forest University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 4.4% | Wake Forest University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
North Carolina Central University full profile · Wake Forest University full profile · All North Carolina law schools
FAQ
Is North Carolina Central University or Wake Forest University harder to get into?
Wake Forest University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 166 against North Carolina Central University's 151.
Which is cheaper, North Carolina Central University or Wake Forest University?
North Carolina Central University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $13,444 versus Wake Forest University's $57,920.
Which has better bar passage, North Carolina Central University or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University has the higher first-time bar passage, 88.24% against North Carolina Central University's 55.94%.
Which has better job outcomes, North Carolina Central University or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.7% vs 78.1%).
North Carolina Central 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.