Best Law Schools in North Carolina (2026)
Compare all 6 ABA-approved law schools in North Carolina by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Campbell Law (#4 nationally).
North Carolina is a major legal market with 6 law schools across 5 cities. Tuition ranges from $28,000 to $81,712, and the average bar pass rate is 74.4%.
6
ABA Schools
$54k
Avg. Tuition
160
Avg. LSAT
74.4%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 6 Law Schools in North Carolina
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Raleigh, NC
Greensboro, NC
Durham, NC
Durham, NC
Chapel Hill, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
North Carolina Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 6 ABA-approved law schools in North Carolina. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campbell Law | #4 | 156 | $52,770 |
| Elon Law | #4 | 153 | $63,484 |
| NCCU Law | #4 | 150 | $41,480 |
| Duke Law | #5 | 171 | $81,712 |
| UNC Law | #24 | 165 | $28,000 |
| Wake Forest Law | #37 | 163 | $54,000 |
Practicing Law in North Carolina
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in North Carolina.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in North Carolina, you must pass the state bar exam. Most North Carolina law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for North Carolina schools average 74.4%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for North Carolina law graduates is 87.8% at 10 months post-graduation. North Carolina is home to 4 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Durham, Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem, and other cities.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at North Carolina law schools ranges from $28,000 to $81,712 per year. Average student debt is $127k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across North Carolina schools range from 150 to 171. Median GPAs range from 3.41 to 3.90. Acceptance rates vary from 13.9% to 50.53%.
Legal Specialties
North Carolina law schools offer specializations including Business/Corporate Law, Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, International Law, Intellectual Property, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
North Carolina has 4 Elite-tier and 2 Select-tier schools. Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates — not reputation surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions: Law Schools in North Carolina
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in North Carolina.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in North Carolina?
North Carolina has 6 ABA-approved law schools located across Durham, Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Greensboro. The highest-ranked is Campbell Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in North Carolina?
Median LSAT scores at North Carolina law schools range from 150 to 171. The state average is 160. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 171 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in North Carolina?
Annual tuition at North Carolina law schools ranges from $28,000 to $81,712. The average is $53,574 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $127k.
What is the bar pass rate for North Carolina law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across North Carolina law schools is 74.4%. Rates range from 42.86% to 96%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Duke Law at 96%.
What are the best law schools in North Carolina?
The top-ranked law schools in North Carolina are Campbell Law (#4), Elon Law (#4), NCCU Law (#4). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in North Carolina with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the North Carolina bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if North Carolina is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in North Carolina can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.