UVA ($$$ - Dillard) vs. Stanford Forum

[sabrina8740]

I've seen a bunch of threads about full-tuition scholarships at CCN vs HYS but nothing for UVA yet, so here we go.

-Schools/COA
UVA: Free tuition, total COA approximately $66K (assuming all stated fees, COL, and 5% increase per year) - so, technically $0 since I can cover this with existing savings

Stanford: Full cost, total COA approximately $188K at graduation (includes all stated fees, COL, 5% increase on tuition/fees/COL per year; Stafford at 5.41%/6.41%/7.41% and Grad Plus at 6.41%/7.41%/8.41% interest), includes existing personal assets and $12K estimate for 2L summer earnings

Financial Situation: Savings of approximately $80K (enough to pay the first full year at Stanford or living expenses all three years at UVA) - this amount is included in the estimate above, which is why Stanford comes in under $200K. All expenses past the $80K will be financed using loans. Due to personal/family assets, I don't qualify for any need-based aid from Stanford.

-Where you are from and where you want to work, and other places where you have significant ties (if any):
Currently located in DC and am looking to return here after graduation, although I would also consider NYC. No significant ties elsewhere.

-Your general career goals:
Federal clerkship, a few years in big law (anti-trust?) for the experience and the money, long-term - interested in government (but we'll see if this shifts once I get to school)

-LSAT/GPA numbers excluded as I'm not interested in retaking or reapplying. Also, I'm not interested in CCNP, so retaking/waiting and trying to get one of those scholarships is not on my mind. Also didn't apply to Harvard or Yale.

-Additional information
I've visited Charlottesville/UVA and really like the city and the school, and would definitely enjoy my three years there. The Dillard scholarship also comes with extra perks like a faculty mentor, which I'm interested in. The stipulation is only a 2.3 (which is the same thing you need for good academic standing), so I'm not concerned about losing the scholarship or having the value decrease. I've been out of school for a few years already and am interested in minimizing debt so I can start saving for a house, etc. But, it's Stanford. I know I would love it, and I'm also not blind to the significant long-term career benefits that name will bring.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[aboutmydaylight]

I've seen a bunch of threads about full-tuition scholarships at CCN vs HYS but nothing for UVA yet, so here we go.

-Schools/COA
UVA: Free tuition, total COA approximately $66K (assuming all stated fees, COL, and 5% increase per year) - so, technically $0 since I can cover this with existing savings

Stanford: Full cost, total COA approximately $188K at graduation (includes all stated fees, COL, 5% increase on tuition/fees/COL per year; Stafford at 5.41%/6.41%/7.41% and Grad Plus at 6.41%/7.41%/8.41% interest), includes existing personal assets and $12K estimate for 2L summer earnings

Financial Situation: Savings of approximately $80K (enough to pay the first full year at Stanford or living expenses all three years at UVA) - this amount is included in the estimate above, which is why Stanford comes in under $200K. All expenses past the $80K will be financed using loans. Due to personal/family assets, I don't qualify for any need-based aid from Stanford.

-Where you are from and where you want to work, and other places where you have significant ties (if any):
Currently located in DC and am looking to return here after graduation, although I would also consider NYC. No significant ties elsewhere.

-Your general career goals:
Federal clerkship, a few years in big law (anti-trust?) for the experience and the money, long-term - interested in government (but we'll see if this shifts once I get to school)

-LSAT/GPA numbers excluded as I'm not interested in retaking or reapplying. Also, I'm not interested in CCNP, so retaking/waiting and trying to get one of those scholarships is not on my mind. Also didn't apply to Harvard or Yale.

-Additional information
I've visited Charlottesville/UVA and really like the city and the school, and would definitely enjoy my three years there. The Dillard scholarship also comes with extra perks like a faculty mentor, which I'm interested in. The stipulation is only a 2.3 (which is the same thing you need for good academic standing), so I'm not concerned about losing the scholarship or having the value decrease. I've been out of school for a few years already and am interested in minimizing debt so I can start saving for a house, etc. But, it's Stanford. I know I would love it, and I'm also not blind to the significant long-term career benefits that name will bring.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Seems like you're overestimating costs for S. How could you possibly end up 188k debt at graduation with 80k of savings? Also if your savings go down to 0 after 1L they may increase financial aid for 2L. Either way, I'd take UVA here. Stanford certainly isn't worth that much more.

[Total Litigator]

I would also take UVA, given your desire to end up on the East Coast and the huge difference in debt.

I also would have applied to (and be interested in) Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Penn, but I'm sure you have your reasons...

[jbagelboy]

Congrats. UVa for free is incredible. Loving Charlottesville is simply icing on the cake. You seem to be approaching this rationally and wholesomely, which bodes well for your future in law.

Best of luck!

[transferror]

Congrats. UVa for free is incredible. Loving Charlottesville is simply icing on the cake. You seem to be approaching this rationally and wholesomely, which bodes well for your future in law.

Best of luck!

[retaking23]

Given the fact that you've been out of school for a few years, I'm going to assume you will graduate from law school in your late 20s or early 30s. Compound this age factor with the fact you want to own a home and like UVA, I think choosing Stanford would be the less reasonable choice.

I am usually in support of the HYS> everything else dogma but I don't think you can go wrong with the Dillard here.

[jayman12]

k

[Trig]

Congrats. UVa for free is incredible. Loving Charlottesville is simply icing on the cake. You seem to be approaching this rationally and wholesomely, which bodes well for your future in law.

Best of luck!

[twenty]

Congrats. UVa for free is incredible. Loving Charlottesville is simply icing on the cake. You seem to be approaching this rationally and wholesomely, which bodes well for your future in law.

Best of luck!

[PrideandGlory1776]

Can't go wrong either way - I really have no opinion because I've said both ways too many times on this - Stanford opens up crazy amazing opportunities and you'l never regret it and UVA for free with the Dillard which will be on your resume for life as well (and which people will obviously know you got into HYS) so honestly it's preference there's no wrong answer here - both options are amazing - congratulation and good luck.

[northwood]

Congrats. UVa for free is incredible. Loving Charlottesville is simply icing on the cake. You seem to be approaching this rationally and wholesomely, which bodes well for your future in law.

Best of luck!

Plus not having any debt ( and having some money left over in your savings account) is a huge bonus.

[Mack.Hambleton]

you gotta take the dill pickle here

[arklaw13]

If DC is your goal I'd take the Dillard.

[sabrina8740]

Thanks everyone for your input! It's nice to see what I've been thinking/feeling isn't totally off base... sometimes a little validation is all you need.

I'm visiting Stanford this weekend so we'll see if Faye and the beautiful California weather can sway me, but I'm pretty confident the end result will be UVA. I'll update the thread when I make a final decision.

[Mack.Hambleton]

forgot to add: as someone also considering the dill pickle, I believe it includes fees and tuition increases, so that should lower ur COA a bit

[a.sleepyhead]

forgot to add: as someone also considering the dill pickle, I believe it includes fees and tuition increases, so that should lower ur COA a bit

+1 also considering the Dillard, I know it at least covers tuition increases.

[sabrina8740]

For what it's worth, I'm going with the Dillard. Uva is an amazing school, and graduating without any debt is an offer I can't pass up. Just wanted to let you all know the final result! It always bugs me to read these posts and wonder what people end up deciding.

Hope to see some of you in the fall!

[Mack.Hambleton]

Congrats!

[jbagelboy]

For what it's worth, I'm going with the Dillard. Uva is an amazing school, and graduating without any debt is an offer I can't pass up. Just wanted to let you all know the final result! It always bugs me to read these posts and wonder what people end up deciding.

Hope to see some of you in the fall!

Good choice. Enjoy UVA

[dwil770]

Debt gets paid off and fades. Prestige is forever. Good luck with your decision.

[manu6926]

...

[cotiger]

Debt gets paid off and fades. Prestige is forever. Good luck with your decision.

Pretty sure it's the exact opposite. You'll never get that quarter million back, but in twenty years no one will give a shit that you went to Stanford.

Great choice OP. Good luck!

[dwil770]

Debt gets paid off and fades. Prestige is forever. Good luck with your decision.

Pretty sure it's the exact opposite. You'll never get that quarter million back, but in twenty years no one will give a shit that you went to Stanford.

Great choice OP. Good luck!

Good point, nevermind

[name of user]

I took a T14 (not UVA) full ride over HY. Sooooo glad I did.

I vote UVA!

[3L2014]

UVA