U of AZ (sticker) vs UNLV ($ in-state) Forum

[michelle_n]

Hi Everyone

I need your help. I have been slowly (but surely) minimized my list of choices down to 2 schools, U of AZ and UNLV. I plan to do JD/MBA and currently studying for GMAT.
UNLV offered me 25% scholarship and is $20k cheaper than U of AZ (and that’s before scholarship $). Also, my cost of living would be substantially lower if I stay here in Vegas. But, UNLV Boyd is ranked 30 below U of AZ (I know, I know... I shouldn't focus on US News Ranking but I just can’t help it). Also, UNLV’s MBA school is not even in the Top 100 while Eller of U of AZ is 63rd.

Is the ranking really that important to employers?

I am really interested in practicing Business Transactional law. U of AZ has a Business Law program while UNLV does not have any concentrations offered. Would that even matter?

I am a resident of Nevada and attended UNLV for my undergrad. I love Las Vegas and I plan to work here after law school. I really would like to work as an in-house counsel instead of working for a firm, so does anyone know which school would benefit me the most?

[bk1]

I love Las Vegas and I plan to work here after law school.

This is all that matters (well and the fact that UNLV is much cheaper). Go to UNLV.

[CanadianWolf]

Agree with bk187. If you love Las Vegas & want to live & work there after law school, then you were admitted to what should be your first choice law school---UNLV.

[dpk711]

Enjoy UNLV.

[supercal27]

U of A is by far the better school all-around imo. But it's true that if you want to live/work in Vegas then UNLV is probably your best option. Don't discount the relative power behind a U of A JD/MBA in the southwest though.

[david787]

It's tougher with the $ considerations but UofA does pretty well in Las Vegas. If you can make the financials work I think it's a better choice.

[uzpakalis]

I think if you want to work in Vegas go to UNLV. UA is a great school though and probably places well in Vegas. However, UA OOS tuition is pretty steep, and AZ makes it quite difficult to obtain residency for some reason. Your odds of finding a "great" job out of either school is pretty low ITE, so I'd go to UNLV because it's much cheaper. Plus, Vegas > Tucson, and if the whole lawyer thing does not work out, you can always work on the strip and make mucho cash tips.

[dpk711]

UA is a great school

How is U of A a great school?

[BeautifulSW]

Whichever school you choose, you have a good chance at a rewarding career in either Arizona or Nevada. Neither state is over-lawyered, neither is expensive to live in, and both will resume their commercial growth once the recession is truly behind us. I made my life and career in New Mexico which has worked out well for me but had I it to do over again, my choice would be Arizona.

[michelle_n]

It's tougher with the $ considerations but UofA does pretty well in Las Vegas. If you can make the financials work I think it's a better choice.

I have made an appeal to reconsider me for scholarships, but I haven't heard from U of A yet.

[michelle_n]

Thank you to everyone. I have decided to attend UNLV.