Top Law Schools

So as my cycle winds down these are looking like my two most appealing offers. I am from Connecticut but have attended school in the midwest the past four years (I'm sure you can guess where). I am coming out with 0 UG debt.

I am not entirely sure what my goals are at this point are. I recognize that Big law is very difficult for both schools. U of I has a solid reputation in Chicago though and provides me with a better chance to secure meaningful employment. On the other hand to go to UConn and graduating with only COL loans significantly mitigates the risk going to law school and doesn't force to to HAVE to get a big law job to pay back to loans.

I am open to working in both the midwest and Connecticut. My I have some family in Chicago but my ties are much stronger in Connecticut.

I am quite torn and would appreciate any advice that TLS may have to offer.

Thanks!

Are you getting 50% off in-state at UIUC?

You should have a decent chance at biglaw from UIUC, but very little chance from UConn. If you want biglaw, I'd say UIUC.

I'm assuming you don't have ties to any Midwestern secondary markets?

I would be getting 50% off out of state at UIUC. According to the estimated COA at UIUC that would put me at 127,335 in debt vs the Estimated COL at UConn which is 42,660 in debt.

I don't have ties to secondary markets. I have a few cousins in Chicago and I've been in Ann Arbor the past four years. That is it.

Voted UConn. UIUC is a better school I think, but not 3x better (tho it would be 3x the cost). If you're cool with CT, I say UConn.

wolverine10 wrote:I would be getting 50% off out of state at UIUC. According to the estimated COA at UIUC that would put me at 127,335 in debt vs the Estimated COL at UConn which is 42,660 in debt.

Oof, that's a lot of debt. I might lean towards UConn then, especially since you're not biglaw or bust.

Yea it is a tough decision. I don't want to limit my future job prospects by being afraid of debt. The total difference, based on school estimates is 76K which is a significant amount of money. Thanks for your opinions thus far everyone.

So not necro this but I am deciding tonight and I was wondering anyone had any last minute words of wisdom. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

wolverine10 wrote:So to necro this but I am deciding tonight and I was wondering anyone had any last minute words of wisdom. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

It's a lot of debt. Take the money
(it's not like either is T14; or TTT)

wolverine10 wrote:So not necro this but I am deciding tonight and I was wondering anyone had any last minute words of wisdom. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

I would think long and hard about where you want to live for the immediate future after law school (NE or Midwest) then make your choice. You want to make sure you maximize your chances of obtaining a job after graduation. The difference in tuition amortized over your career is really immaterial at this point.

Good luck!