W&L with money versus GWU sticker Forum

[Autoaccept]

I want to work in DC. Any disadvantages to taking the money at W&L? Is it really looked down on in DC compared to GWU? In your opinion, would the opportunities to network during the year in DC outweigh going to W&L for around $10k/year tuition?

Thanks in advance.

[FlanAl]

will you only be paying 10k per year or is that 10k off of sticker price? are there any stipulations on your scholarship?

if the answer is that you will only have to pay 30k (plus whatever living expenses are in lexington) then i would say that W&L is probably a good choice compared to 200k or so in debt and a less than 50/50 shot at biglaw.

[kublaikahn]

W&L. You'll still go to DC.

[bk1]

GWU is going to do hands down better in DC.

However, W&L is going to be the much better financial decision with the caveat that there is a very good chance you don't end up working in DC.

[Autoaccept]

I got a $31k/year scholarship at W&L, so it'll be about $10k/year of tuition. I feel like W&L is the better choice. Even though I think I could end up wanting DC big law, I have some connections to where I doubt I'll be that limited in Lexington.

[ndirish2010]

W&L. I don't think GW is worth sticker, especially with that COL.

[BarbellDreams]

So you're looking at 30k in debt coming out of W&M. Take the money and run, that is the smart choice. 30k is nothing in terms of debt honestly, and you'll still be able to get something. The difference is with GW you'll be scraping for something big in DC to pay off the loans while with W&M you can have a range of options in midlaw or even small law since you wont NEED the money. Granted if you are biglaw or bust then go to GW, but W&M is the smart play here and its not even close.

[Autoaccept]

W&L, for what it's worth, but I think I get what you're saying.

[kublaikahn]

I got a $31k/year scholarship at W&L, so it'll be about $10k/year of tuition. I feel like W&L is the better choice. Even though I think I could end up wanting DC big law, I have some connections to where I doubt I'll be that limited in Lexington.

Having debt is what limits your options, not some percieved lack of access. If you have another 100k in debt, you must go biglaw. What if a great federal job, foreign position, or clerkship comes your way, doesn't being debt free give you the option to consider?

Even decisions like getting married or having kids are impacted by debt. WLU is a great school, and they value your input. Go there and have peace of mind that your peers are mortgaging their future but you have freedom to do and go where you want. When it comes time to interview, you will be much more confident and assertive in your deliberation than your frantic cohort.

[amers73]

W&L. Awesome school & graduating with very little debt is going to be so worth it in this economy.

[weejonbu]

FYI, I am in the EXACT same boat with this so far. $28,000/year at W&L vs. sticker @ GWU (barring any more acceptances). I am going to visit both schools this week, and I'm hoping that is going to bring some clarity to my situation.