Top Law Schools

Help! I've visited these schools and been scowering the internet and my own personal connections and still can't come to a decision! Any input would be greatlyy appreciated. Keep in mind, I'm already holding $50k in debt due to undergrad student loans (stupid decision) Heres my situation:

Fordham -- full sticker price (44k/year) plus a choice of 1.25 hour commute into NYC every day, or pay 15kish to live in Manhatten, Brooklyn, or Hoboken
Total Price: $132k-$180k

Brooklyn -- $36k scholarship, brings cost of tuition to $6k/year. Again, choice of 1.25 hour plus commute or $15k plus for housing
Total Price: $18k-$63k

Seton Hall -- full tuition scholarship, 20 minute commute
Total Price: $0

Rutgers -- $20k Scholarship, brings cost of tuition to $1.5k/year. 20 minute commute.
Total Price: $4.5k

Costs do not include cost of transportation and supplies!

Any and all input is welcomed! Thank you so much!

where do you plan on practicing?

Rutgers if Jersey, Fordham if NYC or bust

fordham

First, I'd say that you should avoid that hour+ commute at all costs. School will be your life, so you should live close.

Second, I fear you may be underestimating the cost of living in Manhattan. Is that "$15k-ish" figure for rent alone, or does it include food and misc. (I see it doesn't include transportation or school supplies)? EVERYTHING costs more here. I'd personally bump that number up quite a bit, unless you're a hermit that can live off rice and beans for three years.

And no offense, but I think your heart really isn't in NYC, since you spelled "Manhattan" wrong and are considering living outside the city. I vote you forget about Fordham and Brooklyn.

As for where you should go, I'd say Rutgers or Seton are both great. Choose the one you feel more comfortable at. The minor cost difference, and rank difference, between the two is negligible.

Thanks for the input.. I really just can't seem to wrap my head around Fordham being worth close to $200,000 more then Seton Hall... fifteen years down the road I'll still be paying loan bills if I went to Fordham; would my life truly be that much better?

Must decide tonight!