Cardozo (35k/yr) vs. Fordham (sticker) Forum

[cogitoergosum]

I think I already know the answer, but thought it might be worth running it by some of you. Subject just about says it all. In addition - COL is covered by SO, with savings and payments to tuition, can pay 20k/yr out of pocket. So I could finish 'dozo debt free or Fordham with 90k or less.

[dooood]

Fordham duh

[dingbat]

first question: what are your career goals?

Certain career goals are best served by minimizing debt, so the extra prestige/networking/job placement that Fordham provides might not be worth the additional $90k or so

To give an example:
If you plan on doing legal aid then go to 'Dozo
If you want to work for a law firm, go to Fordham

note: Fordham with only $90k debt is not a bad situation at all

[inkincorporate]

Fordham without a doubt. If you do decently you'd probably need to take out even less than 90k because of summer associate work.

[bk1]

You should frontload your tuition payments rather than spreading them out so you don't get as much interest.

I'd take Fordham but it does suck that you're burning through 60k savings to get your debt that low.

[top30man]

You should frontload your tuition payments rather than spreading them out so you don't get as much interest.

I'd take Fordham but it does suck that you're burning through 60k savings to get your debt that low.

Agreed. With col taken care of I don't think this is close.

[dingbat]

Tick tock tick tock

[cogitoergosum]

Tick tock tick tock

yeah, I know...

[Robespierre]

Fordham placed 20% with NLJ250 last year; Dozo 12%. I can't access LST from where I am but I believe it shows Fordham placing about 78% in full-time JD-required jobs and Dozo about 70%. Someone will surely correct me if I'm wrong.

Is that placement advantage worth 105K? That's the issue. I'd be inclined to say Yes in your particular case because you're not taking on massive debt at either school so you might as well borrow modestly (if you can call 90K "modest") to get the better placement. But I think it's a lot closer than people in this thread are making it out to be.

[DTDT]

Seems to be a common choice. I wonder what the decision was.

[dingbat]

Fordham placed 20% with NLJ250 last year; Dozo 12%. I can't access LST from where I am but I believe it shows Fordham placing about 78% in full-time JD-required jobs and Dozo about 70%. Someone will surely correct me if I'm wrong.

Is that placement advantage worth 105K? That's the issue. I'd be inclined to say Yes in your particular case because you're not taking on massive debt at either school so you might as well borrow modestly (if you can call 90K "modest") to get the better placement. But I think it's a lot closer than people in this thread are making it out to be.

You summed it up beautifully. Cardozo is not a TTT but it's not as good as Fordham. What it comes down to is how much more Fordham is worth.

[cogitoergosum]

Seems to be a common choice. I wonder what the decision was.

Deposited at Fordham on Monday. Really appreciated Cardozo's offer, but with all things being considered, Fordham was the better option for me.

[Julio_El_Chavo]

Neither.