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I am undecided and would like some input. I got a scholarship for $23000 Catholic for at least the first year (it has a top 25% requirement) and got into American as well with $5000 per year in need based aid. I am interested in Gov and nonprofit work in the DC area. What does everyone think? Which is my better bet?

I did some figuring and came up with this. At Catholic my worst case scenario cost wise is about 161k, while American is 188k. Best case is CUA 114k while American is 178k. So, i guess it seems like the question is would that be a big enough difference in debt to go to a school thats always been in the 70-100 ranking range instead of the 40-50 since I am not looking at biglaw.


Catholic has 200 per class, so that means top fifty students. Allegedly there is a 50% scholarship retention rate from 1L to 2L.

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I'm generally risk averse but the top 25% requirement is pretty much impossible to assume and American is a good deal better than Catholic imo. What are you interested in other than Big Law?

Gov work and non-profits primarily. Biglaw isnt a lifestyle I want... except the money... but no!

this is very interesting, as i am debating between the two as well, except no $$ at AU. I absolutely love AU, but would go to catholic at a steeply discounted price. in addition, i'm married, so no COL loans. so $30k at CUA or $150k at AU... for public interest where i'm not making hardly anything past what is needed to live off of! very hard to justify...good luck and let me know what you end up doing!

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Holy shit, American gave you money? That happens??

tho I would suggest not choosing either cause of the massive debt loads... if you are absolutely set on going to one of these two options this is one of the few, few times I would say choose American.

So, i guess from the feedback Id like to know what the material benefit of choosing American over Catholic would be. I get that it is better- I just need to know how.

Agent Bartowski wrote:So, i guess from the feedback Id like to know what the material benefit of choosing American over Catholic would be. I get that it is better- I just need to know how.

Much better shot at the kind of posistions you are seeking.