Tulane 1/2 vs. UNLV Full Forum

[PhantaManta]

Finally getting down to the ultimate decision. I am pleased with both of these options and like both schools.

Factors:
- I am from New York and will be equally happy working in either New Orleans or Las Vegas. Tulane has more flexibility in terms of job opportunities (although not as big now, obviously) which is a positive factor, but not a huge deal considering Vegas sounds fine as well.

- I do not think I would want to work at a big law firm, and my interests in private firms are (at this point) pretty limited. If I went to UNLV I wouldn't mind working as a casino's head lawyer (I know that is a bit of a stretch, but I'm just throwing out private jobs I would actually do if I could get hired there.) I might be willing to work at a private firm in an area I discover I like, but that's still an if.

- Right now I think I would like to either work as a public defender, prosecutor, or child advocate. I plan to use the clinics and externships at either school to work towards these goals and will focus my job-search (hopefully) in those areas.

- UNLV scholarship is top 33%, Tulane's is top 50% (If I lose my Tulane scholarship I retain 50% of it for the next year and can get it back if I get over top 50%)

Personally, the debt from Tulane scares me. I will still have debt from UNLV (living expenses), but it will likely be around half Tulane's debt. Even if I lost UNLV's scholarship, it would still cost at least $30,000 less than any scenario of Tulane's debt.

Thanks

[General Tso]

I'd probably still take Tulane. What would be your total debt from Tulane if you both kept and lost the scholly?

[PhantaManta]

Tulane
Scenario 1 - 120,000 debt
2 - 130,00 debt (lose half of scolly for 2L but regain for third)
3 - 150,000 debt (lose half after 1L and do not regain)

UNLV
Scenario 1 - 58,000-ish
Scenario 2 - 98,000-ish

[yo!]

I've got work at 6am, so I'm going to bed. For the record, I would choose UNLV in your situation (mainly because you don't seem to mind staying in Vegas). I'll check back in and give a more detailed response within the next few days. I faced a similarly difficult decision, so I definitly know the stress that you are feeling right now. Best of luck.

[General Tso]

I've got work at 6am, so I'm going to bed. For the record, I would choose UNLV in your situation (mainly because you don't seem to mind staying in Vegas). I'll check back in and give a more detailed response within the next few days. I faced a similarly difficult decision, so I definitly know the stress that you are feeling right now. Best of luck.

Yeah I am leaning UNLV after seeing the figures myself.

[PhantaManta]

Thanks for the people who have commented/voted so far (unfortunately, it is a tie, heh).

[jcunni5]

Normally I'd say unlv but isn't vegas' economy ridiculously horrible it will prolly he very difficult to hired anywhere I say go tulane
edit: plus tulane has less stringent scholly requirements