Columbia v. Cornell ($$$) for International Law Forum

[rachelburns]

Hello TLS bloggers! I know that everyone is posting polls now that decision time is upon us, but I was just curious what comments and opinions people might have on the subject..... I want to study international law and work for an international organization such as the UN, so Columbia's #1 program in international law is very appealing. However, I am not convinced that the opportunities an education from Columbia would provide me with are worth the $120,000+ extra cost over Cornell or UVA (both have decent international law programs with UVA's ranked higher than Cornell's). I suppose it comes down to the age old question of taking the good school with money or the best school at sticker. I am terrified of a $200K debt upon graduation, especially given that I'm not gunning for big law, but Columbia's international law program really does seem to be unmatched....

[Boba Fett]

Hello TLS bloggers! I know that everyone is posting polls now that decision time is upon us, but I was just curious what comments and opinions people might have on the subject..... I want to study international law and work for an international organization such as the UN, so Columbia's #1 program in international law is very appealing. However, I am not convinced that the opportunities an education from Columbia would provide me with are worth the $120,000+ extra cost over Cornell or UVA (both have decent international law programs with UVA's ranked higher than Cornell's). I suppose it comes down to the age old question of taking the good school with money or the best school at sticker. I am terrified of a $200K debt upon graduation, especially given that I'm not gunning for big law, but Columbia's international law program really does seem to be unmatched....

You want a high-quality International Law education, you say? Save yourself the money, read this instead: http://press.princeton.edu/titles/7929.html

[kittenmittons]

Since jobs in the field of international law are so ephemeral, I'd go with the best possible school you get into.

[Z3RO]

I'm always tempted to dissuade people from going to Columbia in every single thread, because I'm held there, and I really want to go.

Go to the school that will give you the best opportunities: Columbia.

[puppleberry finn]

putting aside the fact that the type of job you are talking about is highly competitive and rare, are you planning on applying for a dual degree (either an LLM or a degree from another country)? I know Cornell offers a few of these.

[jonas]

If you look at Columbia's LRAP program, the debt will seem less scary.

http://www.law.columbia.edu/current_stu ... l_aid/LRAP

[kittenmittons]

If you look at Columbia's LRAP program, the debt will seem less scary.

http://www.law.columbia.edu/current_stu ... l_aid/LRAP

Also this. CLS LRAP is stellar