Hey all,

I've narrowed my choices down to 2 schools: SMU and Wisconsin. I have ties to both regions, but think I would be slightly happier in Wisconsin long-term. The deciding factor is deciding which school is the more responsible choice financially when considering future employment prospects. I have visited both schools and like them both.

COA at SMU: 64k - 26k scholarship = 38K total

COA at Wisconsin: 57k -10k scholarship = 47k

One other factor is that I will not need a car at Wisconsin, but will have to keep my car at SMU.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Wisconsin since you'd rather live there

Your chances of getting a high paying job are higher at SMU, and so I vote SMU. My opinion may have been different had you not been looking at massive debt.

Did I read the OP wrong or did he say 40-60k roughly for COA? I wouldn't call that massive debt.

I assume that was for one year...

I'm not sure, if it's per year then I'd agree with you

edit: agree with aber, rather

Yes, the figures listed above are for 1 year. Granted, I believe they are high when the schools list $1,000 for a computer (which I have already), or several thousand dollars for "miscellaneous" in their estimates, but I'm sure they are somewhat close.

Neither of these schools are particularly good for the prices you have listed (I assume this is per year).

This being said, both schools are highly regional in nature. Pick the school in the area that you want to live and work in after school. You indicated that you liked Wisconsin more, so I voted for Wisconsin.

You need to adjust your Wisconsin numbers. It will be significantly cheaper, assuming you get residency after 1L

I think it's very difficult to get in-state residency at WI

Wisconsin does not grant in-state residency after your first year. Besides that, what adjustments to these numbers are you referring to?

Wisconsin is really hard to gain residency for if you are just living there as a student, so I wouldn't count on it. Also the moron governor Walker is slashing the UW system budget by hundreds of millions, meaning the law school will have less resources.

Well never mind then lol

SMU but only because I like north Dallas. Actually you probably shouldn't go that is way too expensive. 120k debt?

Do you have other debt?

I think top 25% can interview for BigLaw. I looked at their 2010 numbers but they didn't report % in law firms. They did report that 86% of those who were working full time in the private sector made a median of 85k, very strong for a school of that rank.

I have about 40,000 from undergraduate studies. For the past two years I've been teaching high school math (not the best career to help with student loans, let me tell ya!), but I will have enough saved to cover personal expenses and pay off my car over the next two years.

I realize the astronomical risk that comes with taking on law school. However, I do feel confident that if I come out making something like the median listed above (at a minimum) and live responsibly, I can make a good living for myself over time.

If the debt at Wisconsin is a huge concern, you can always defer a year, (hopefully) find a job in Wisconsin, and enjoy their very cheap in-state tuition. I'd talk to Rebecca or a financial aid person to make sure, but i'm pretty certain you'll be able to keep your scholarship and they'll grant you in-state tuition. They implied that was an option when I talked to them earlier this year, and in your situation it might make sense.

No way SMU will actually cost you the full amount in estimated COL loans. You can get by with less.

SMU's COA includes 15,500 in living expenses. That is insane