Law is more than a profession; it is a career that shapes society. Lawyers advise individuals, businesses, and governments, advocate for justice, and influence policies that affect communities and nations. A legal career can take many paths, corporate law, criminal defence, public interest, government service, intellectual property, or academia, making it both challenging and rewarding.
Because of this diversity, choosing the right law school is one of the most important decisions a prospective lawyer can make. The school you attend influences not only the quality of your education but also your practical skills, professional network, bar exam preparation, and future career opportunities.
Fortunately, North Carolina offers a range of law schools that cater to different needs, from elite private institutions to respected public universities and mission-driven regional programs. This diversity allows students to find a school that matches their career goals, budget, and learning style.
We have carefully vetted the best law schools in North Carolina based on features that define a strong legal education. Factors such as bar passage rates, clinical and experiential learning opportunities, dual-degree programs, alumni networks, and overall career support were considered to ensure that each school listed provides more than just classroom instruction. Explore the top 6 law programs in North Carolina.
Best Law Schools in North Carolina
1. Duke University School of Law
Duke Law is one of the most selective and well-known in the country. Its full-time JD tuition for 2025–2026 is $80,100, not counting living costs and other fees. The school offers several dual-degree programs, including JD/LLM (such as in Law & Entrepreneurship), JD/MBA, JD/MPP, and others.
In terms of bar performance, graduates do very well: in 2024, the first-time bar pass rate was 97.48%. Duke also provides a rigorous application process (early decision is an option), so it’s a strong choice for high-achieving students who want top-tier academics and broad career flexibility.
2. University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Law
UNC Law, based in Chapel Hill, offers an affordable yet high-quality legal education, especially for in-state students. According to LS Data, its annual cost of attendance (including living expenses) is about $76,670, even though in-state tuition is much lower than private schools.
The school is committed to real-world experience: students can work in in-house clinics on public interest, policy, or transactional work. It also offers dual degrees such as JD/MPA, JD/MPP, and JD/MPH.
UNC’s bar passage rate is strong; for example, in 2022, it was 93.75% for first-time takers. Because it’s a public school with high academic standards, UNC Law is great for students who want a well-rounded education without paying private-school rates.
3. Wake Forest University School of Law
Wake Forest Law combines a solid academic reputation with very good practical training. For 1L, 2L, and 3L students, tuition and fees for 2025–2026 are $57,920 per year. The total cost, including living and other expenses, is estimated at $92,625.
Wake Forest automatically considers students for merit scholarships, and around 70% of students get some scholarship money. They run traditional JD, LLM, and SJD programs, and the cost for a third year remains the same.
In terms of career outcomes, the 2023 Standard 509 Report shows that all graduates go into full-time, long-term roles, and the school places a heavy emphasis on career support. Wake Forest’s bar pass rate is also respectable, and because Winston-Salem is relatively affordable, the school offers good value for students who want quality without sky-high cost.
4. Campbell University – Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
Campbell Law (Wiggins) is more regionally focused but offers solid value and practical training. The JD tuition for 2025–2026 is around $52,770. The school has a relatively open admissions process (acceptance rate around 34% per Justia), and its average LSAT for admitted students is 156, with a median GPA of 3.57.
Campbell also has a “Flex JD” program, which gives some students more scheduling flexibility. On the bar front, first-time takers have had a pass rate of about 81.9%, and over two years, many more have passed.
Campbell also supports dual degrees: students can do JD/DO (medicine), JD/MBA, JD/MPA, and others. For people who want a smaller law school with strong connections in North Carolina, Campbell is a very practical pick.
5. Elon University School of Law
Elon Law is known for its modern, experiential approach to legal education. The school emphasises real-world training: students do clinics, externships, and work closely with practising attorneys and judges. Because Elon is younger, its program is more agile, and it appeals to students who want hands-on learning right from the start.
It’s a good option if you don’t mind a smaller school and you care more about practical experience than prestige.
6. North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law
NCCU Law is a public HBCU that strongly centres on legal education for community impact and service. Their clinical program is robust, letting students work in a variety of legal settings while still in school — this means real cases, not just simulations.
NCCU tends to be more affordable than many private law schools, especially for students who care about working in public interest or serving underrepresented communities. Because of its mission and network, NCCU is ideal for students who want a law education grounded in social justice and service.
Cost and Financial Aid Breakdown for North Carolina Law Schools
Law school costs in North Carolina depend on whether the school is public or private. For top private schools like Duke or Wake Forest, tuition alone can be around $55,000–$80,000 per year, not including living expenses, books, or fees. Public schools like UNC and NCCU are generally more affordable for in-state students, with tuition ranging from $24,000–$35,000 per year.
Many schools offer financial aid in the form of merit scholarships, need-based grants, or specialised fellowships. Duke and Wake Forest, for example, automatically consider students for merit awards during admissions. Public schools often provide in-state scholarships or loan repayment programs for students who commit to working in public service.
When planning your law school journey, it’s essential to include tuition, fees, and living costs in your budget and explore every financial aid option early to reduce debt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which law schools in North Carolina have the highest bar passage rates?
Duke and UNC lead the state in bar performance, with first-time pass rates above 90%. Wake Forest and Campbell also perform well, usually above 80–85% for first-time takers. NCCU and Elon are slightly lower, but they focus on supporting students through practical training and clinics.
2. What is the average cost of attending a law school in North Carolina?
Tuition varies: private schools cost $55,000–$80,000/year, while in-state public schools are closer to $24,000–$35,000/year. Living expenses and fees can add $15,000–$20,000/year.
3. Are there dual-degree programs at North Carolina law schools?
Yes. Duke, UNC, Wake Forest, Campbell, and Elon all offer dual-degree programs, such as JD/MBA, JD/MPH, JD/MPP, JD/LLM, and some unique combinations like JD/Trust & Wealth Management at Campbell.
4. Can I finish law school faster in North Carolina?
Elon Law has an accelerated 2.5-year JD program, and other schools offer summer courses or flexible scheduling. These options can save on living costs and tuition, but require a more intense workload.
5. Which law schools are best for public interest or social justice careers?
UNC, NCCU, and Campbell have strong programs and clinics for students interested in public interest law. Duke and Wake Forest also provide robust public interest support through clinics, fellowships, and loan repayment assistance programs.