So torn: Pepperdine vs. U of H? Malibu or stinky Houston? Forum

[tx1987]

Pepperdine is where I really, really want to go, but it will leave with with a buttload of debt ($165K if I don't keep my scholarship and $135K if I do). It is ranked #55. U of H would leave me with about $65K cause I would live at home and it is ranked #59. I just completely dread the idea of staying in Texas right now and I want to get some life experience and get away from everything I've always known. Plus, I want to go to Malibu. I have no idea what kind of law I want to practice, but I know that working at a big law firm would probably be necessary to pay off the Pepperdine debt. Any opinions?

[RadMobile]

Dude, Houston isn't that bad. You could be going to Baylor

UH is a great school and has a big home market which they dominate. A UT grad may be picked over a UH grad in Houston but that's arguable.

Think of all the schools Pepperdine has to compete with in its home market. UCLA, USC, Loyola, UC Irvine just in the LA area! That's not mentioning Stanford, Boalt, Hastings, and Davis grads.

If you really want to end up in the LA area, I'd say Pepperdine. However, if you aren't sure where you want to live, I'd say reduce your overall debt and go to UH. Graduating with that much debt from a school whose grads face that much competition may not be the best idea.

Good luck in your decision.

[englawyer]

you are insane if you choose pepperdine

[TigerWoods85]

At the end of the day, if think you'll be miserable staying in Texas then go to Pepperdine

[acash09]

I think what would make you truly miserable is all that debt. I say go to UH.

[kissy]

I think what would make you truly miserable is all that debt. I say go to UH.

[Thirteen]

I think what would make you truly miserable is all that debt. I say go to UH.

+1

Pepperdine isn't worth an extra 100k.

[CMDantes]

UH hands down

[Cole S. Law]

Go to Houston. Use money saved to take vacations. I've been to LA and Houston. The only real difference in is that in LA there is a higher chance of seeing Seth Green eating at Subway. Not worth the extra debt IMHO.

[RadMobile]

Go to Houston. Use money saved to take vacations. I've been to LA and Houston. The only real difference in is that in LA there is a higher chance of seeing Seth Green eating at Subway. Not worth the extra debt IMHO.

Um how about suffocating humidity??

[Gatriel]

I'll be that guy . . . . .

I applied to both. I've still got my UH rejection letter, and my WL at Pepperdine.

Here is the way I see it:

Pepperdine:

Benefits:
-Great School
-Beautiful
-LA is one of the largest legal markets in the nation
-#1 in Dispute Resolution

Cons:
-Batshit expensive
-Very competitive market
-California economy blows right now

UH:

Benefits:
-Great School
-Cheap
-Houston is one of the largest legal markets in the nation
-Texas is the fastest growing state in the nation right now.

Cons:
-Campus is a complete shithole.
-Its in the 3rd Ward, so be prepared to drive into school every day.
-Its in Houston. Sure, you can live in Katy, or Sugarland, or the Woodlands and be alright. Its still Houston, arguably the worst city in the south next to New Orleans.

You can't go wrong either way. If your really hard pressed for cash, go to UH. If you don't mind being a little risky, go to Pepperdine and enjoy the sunshine.

The only thing I ask is if you DO go to UH, please formally withdraw from Pepperdine. Open up that seat for me!

[FunkyJD]

Repeat after me: Malibu is overrated.

[katieg21]

I'm from Texas too and debating between Pepperdine and Washington and Lee (Two completely different schools, I know)- I feel you that you want to get out of TX- ME TOO! I personally would not even consider UH unless you are pretty sure you want to stay in Houston area. I'm from north houston and I could never live in Houston again- I think it is the worst city. But Pepperdine's COL and tuition is ridiculous- I'm debating if it's really worth it!

[Gatriel]

I'm from Texas too and debating between Pepperdine and Washington and Lee (Two completely different schools, I know)- I feel you that you want to get out of TX- ME TOO! I personally would not even consider UH unless you are pretty sure you want to stay in Houston area. I'm from north houston and I could never live in Houston again- I think it is the worst city. But Pepperdine's COL and tuition is ridiculous- I'm debating if it's really worth it!

Thats really easy. . . . Washington and Lee.

There is a guy at my school who is debating between those two as well. Full price at WL and half at Pepperdine.

[tx1987]

Go to Houston. Use money saved to take vacations. I've been to LA and Houston. The only real difference in is that in LA there is a higher chance of seeing Seth Green eating at Subway. Not worth the extra debt IMHO.

Yeaah, when I think about all the money I'd be saving, it almost makes me giddy. Is Pepperdine worth the extra $60-$100K? I really don't know. I know I'd probably be less burdened when I graduate from U of H, but that would also mean I'm condemned to a life in Texas - and, more than likely, Houston.

[tx1987]

I'll be that guy . . . . .

I applied to both. I've still got my UH rejection letter, and my WL at Pepperdine.

Here is the way I see it:

Pepperdine:

Benefits:
-Great School
-Beautiful
-LA is one of the largest legal markets in the nation
-#1 in Dispute Resolution

Cons:
-Batshit expensive
-Very competitive market
-California economy blows right now

UH:

Benefits:
-Great School
-Cheap
-Houston is one of the largest legal markets in the nation
-Texas is the fastest growing state in the nation right now.

Cons:
-Campus is a complete shithole.
-Its in the 3rd Ward, so be prepared to drive into school every day.
-Its in Houston. Sure, you can live in Katy, or Sugarland, or the Woodlands and be alright. Its still Houston, arguably the worst city in the south next to New Orleans.

You can't go wrong either way. If your really hard pressed for cash, go to UH. If you don't mind being a little risky, go to Pepperdine and enjoy the sunshine.

The only thing I ask is if you DO go to UH, please formally withdraw from Pepperdine. Open up that seat for me!

I've also thought about that. Cali economy = FAIL right now while Texas is like a rising star. Don't worry, I only have one more day to decide. Would you for sure be going to Pepperdine if you got in?

[Gatriel]

I've also thought about that. Cali economy = FAIL right now while Texas is like a rising star. Don't worry, I only have one more day to decide. Would you for sure be going to Pepperdine if you got in?[/quote]

Yeah, It would be a done deal. I've got a seat deposit outstanding at another school, but I have always wanted to go to Pepperdine.

[Gatriel]

So. . . . . .
.
.
.
.
Whats it looking like?

[tx1987]

So. . . . . .
.
.
.
.
Whats it looking like?

I have like two hours to decide and I still don't know!!!

[Gatriel]

Run them both through the TVM. See if its worth it.

Either way, you better get your checkbook out and get ready to scurry to the post office in the quickness.

[Thirteen]

I think you should go to U of H. Houston isn't the greatest place in the world, but it has a huge legal market. You will face MUCH stiffer competition in SoCal, in addition to spending an extra 70-100k. You might enjoy living in Malibu more than Houston, but are you willing to take on that much extra debt? If you would absolutely miserable in Houston, go to Pepperdine; if not, head to U of H.

[Gatriel]

If you would absolutely miserable in Houston, go to Pepperdine; if not, head to U of H.

+1

[tx1987]

Run them both through the TVM. See if its worth it.

Either way, you better get your checkbook out and get ready to scurry to the post office in the quickness.

What's the TVM?

[Gatriel]

Time Value of money. Basically tells you what the total cost, including compound interest over time would be for your loans.

http://www.zenwealth.com/BusinessFinanc ... lator.html

If you need help with what is what PM me, and I'll help you out.

[Gatriel]

Ok, so I threw this together real quick:

If you borrow $30,000 a semester for Pepperdine (realistic, living expenses, etc.) and you have an 8% interest rate on your loans (which is on the high side of things. Being conservative)

Then the present value of your Pepperdine Legal Education is $157,264.11. Future Value is $198,989.26 at the time of graduation.

Lets say you want to pay it off in a decade, and make monthly payments at a reduced interest rate of say . . . . 3% your looking at $1,921.45 a month for 10 years.

This assumes a few things:

A) Its all loans, no scholarships, grants, etc.
B) You have no outstanding UG debt to pay back

Houston is as follows @ $25,000 per year ($12,500 per semester)
I% = 8% while in law schools

Present Value of Houston is $65,526.71
Future Value of Houston (What you would owe at the time of graduation): $82,912.20

Pay it all off in a decade at 3%: $800.61 per month for ten years.

Again, I assume you get not loans, scholarships, or grants, and you have no UG debt.

--Garrett

EDIT: I know someone else is looking at Washington and Lee, the Pepperdine numbers above are equivalent to the WL cost and repayment.