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I'll be pursuing public interest-related work. I think at this point I'd most like to work in DC, but I'm not 100% sure that I will continue to feel that way and I would value having a portable degree. Moreover, there seems to be an understanding that Vandy grads would not necessarily be at a disadvantage vis a vis GW grads in DC. On the other hand GW might give me vastly superior opportunities to establish myself in DC and make connections. These are just some things I'm considering. Let me know what you think.

I also have a question about cost of living. I've read that Nashville is considerably cheaper than DC, but Vandy and GW estimate total cost of attendance to be roughly the same on their respective websites. Can anyone provide some insight?

With CoA being higher at GW I can only assume that your debt will even out from the two schools. Vandy is the better school without a doubt and its the safer play. Not sure about either school's LRAP program, but Vandy's placement is simply better than GW's in all areas and will give you more portability after school. There is definitely a case that can be made for GW here, but I personally would go the safer route with Vandy.

Two great options, but if you want to work in D.C., better to start making connections now.

Anyone have any luck leveraging anything more than the 106 out of GW? 13k a year more for a full ride...just curious and piggybacking

imho I would go with Vandy, I'm also thinking about going to GW with same scholly but the COA terrifies me

Good to see they adjusted that 105K for inflation...

So does anyone know why Vandy and GW report their COA's as being about the same, even though Nashville is a much cheaper city than DC?

Probably because Vandy budgets $1000 per month for rent/utilities (edit add: which is probably more than they need to budget for this, I'm guessing). I'd imagine that's close to what GW budgets. Checked, GWU budgets 16,500 for room/utilities/board, Vandy about 13000. Their COAs are about 3000 apart. There you have it.

http://law.vanderbilt.edu/prospective-s ... index.aspx

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RxBandit26 wrote:So does anyone know why Vandy and GW report their COA's as being about the same, even though Nashville is a much cheaper city than DC?

What the schools budget does not mean much. Look at tuition. Then look at an apartment you'd like. Figure some money for food and books (probably not that different from place to place).