Hate ads? Verify for LSD+ → Learn More

Head-to-head · 13 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 69% chose WFU. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 13 self-reported decisions and ABA 509 filings.

Choice, not ranking

These are decisions, not opinions. Scholarship offers, location, intended practice, and personal fit are all priced into the split.

13
cross-admits

Cross-admit decision

Of 13 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Wake Forest University logo Chose WFU
69%
Chose FSU Florida State University logo
31%

Median scholarship (chose WFU)

$135,000 / yr

Median scholarship (chose FSU)

$80,554 / yr
View all-time (33 cross-admits)
61% chose WFU 39% chose FSU
Rank summary
WFU
#31
LSD
USN #30
FSU
#44
LSD
USN #34
LSD rank reflects where admitted applicants actually enroll. USN ranks come from US News.

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Wake Forest University logo
WFU
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Florida State University logo
FSU
Tallahassee, Florida
USN Rank
#30
#34
LSD Rank
#31 (0.019)
#44 (0.010)
LSAT 25th
163
158
LSAT Median
166
166
LSAT 75th
168
167
GPA Median
3.79
3.93
Acceptance Rate
24.6%
16.0%
Class Size
204
153
Yield Rate
28.3%
35.3%

Financial

Sticker price, scholarships, and debt burden
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Wake Forest University logo
WFU
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Florida State University logo
FSU
Tallahassee, Florida
Tuition (In-State)
$57,920
-
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$57,920
-
Median Grant
$40,000
$15,464
% Receiving Grants
76.0%
78.0%
Avg. Debt at Graduation
-
-

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2024 ABA Employment
Metric
Wake Forest University logo
WFU
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Florida State University logo
FSU
Tallahassee, Florida
BigLaw (501+)
24.5%
15.7%
Judicial Clerkships
7.1%
4.7%
Median Salary (Private)
$135,000
$90,000
Employment Rate
97.4%
91.1%
Bar Pass Rate
88.2%
87.2%

Overview

About WFU vs FSU

Across 13 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 69% enrolled at Wake Forest University and 31% at Florida State University.

These numbers reflect every factor that goes into a real decision: scholarship offers, geographic preference, intended practice area, and fit. Choosing one school doesn't mean it's "better" — it means the pool of cross-admits, weighing their options, ended up there more often. Pair this with the scholarship distribution and employment outcomes above for full context.

Looking at a different matchup? Browse all comparisons or run a custom pair from the index.

Deciding between WFU and FSU? Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data.
Join waitlist →

Compare another pair

vs
Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Wake Forest University and Florida State University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

Both schools are closely ranked in U.S. News: #30 and #34, separated by just 4 positions, making cross-admit data especially useful for deciding between them.

Florida State University is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 16.0% compared to Wake Forest University's 24.6%.

Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, while Florida State University is in Tallahassee, Florida. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

On cost, Florida State University has lower tuition at - per year compared to $57,920. Combined with employment rates of 97.4% (WFU) and 91.1% (FSU), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants, Wake Forest University offered a median scholarship of $135,000 compared to $80,554, a difference of $54,446 that may factor into enrollment decisions.