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I was until recently comitted to Vandy, as it's been my dream school for a while, but have recently been giving UGA some serious thought. I received 75K at Vandy and 30K plus in state at UGA. I have 30K to put towards LS from savings, so debt at graduation for Vandy's around 80K v. 30K for UGA. I have taken the LSAT three times, and applied with a 168/3.8.

I'm from GA, have solid ties here, and went to UGA for ug. I want to work in GA in the long term, though would love the oppurtunity to work in NYC, DC, TX, or TN. It counts for little, but I prefer Nashville to Athens without a doubt.

I currently work at a V100 and know I could tolerate biglaw for a few years, but only as a stepping stone to USAO, gov't agency, or large DA office. Longer term, I'd like to settle down in one of those mystical midlaw offices. It's important to note that I have a family friend who said I could work for him (in his small time commercial lit firm) if I'm facing the document review dungeon come graduation. I'm usually risk averse, but this kind of backup option pushes me towards going to Vandy for a shot at better/more jobs.

BUT, given my goals, is Vandy worth the 50K? LST makes the two seem closer than I previously thought, though more Vandy kids wind up in upper echelon jobs.

Thoughts?

While 50k is a big difference, I think 80k is not a bad deal for Vandy. Considering your desires are primarily to work outside of Atlanta and Vandy being your "dream school"... I would probably go to Vandy. I'm actually going to UGA myself, and think it is a great deal if you want to work in Georgia. For outside of GA, though, I wouldn't go to UGA. Also, you might want to make a poll

BlueJeanBaby wrote:While 50k is a big difference, I think 80k is not a bad deal for Vandy. Considering your desires are primarily to work outside of Atlanta and Vandy being your "dream school"... I would probably go to Vandy. I'm actually going to UGA myself, and think it is a great deal if you want to work in Georgia. For outside of GA, though, I wouldn't go to UGA. Also, you might want to make a poll

Done! Thanks for the advice.

Pretty aggressive math

Vandy at $80k debt over 3 years and wanting to end up in GA with strong ties to South sounds like a great deal to me.

Easily Vandy. Congrats.

Thanks for the responses everyone.

I thought there might be some support for UGA? It's the fabled "T1 for free or close to it" that people advocate for.

Agreed though, Vandy's probably my best option.

Vandy with $75k scholly plus $30k savings IS NOT $80k debt. Probably closer to $135k.

sbma04 wrote:Vandy with $75k scholly plus $30k savings IS NOT $80k debt. Probably closer to $135k.

+1.

Based on the info you gave us, Vandy is going to cost you about 140k. (you aren't factoring in 4% tuition increases, compounding interest, the right COL in nashville, etc.)

mr.hands wrote:

sbma04 wrote:Vandy with $75k scholly plus $30k savings IS NOT $80k debt. Probably closer to $135k.

+1.

Based on the info you gave us, Vandy is going to cost you about 140k. (you aren't factoring in 4% tuition increases, compounding interest, the right COL in nashville, etc.)

This. Plus, I think with your numbers you could get a full ride to UGA though it seems you would only be paying fees as it is. Vandy may very well still be your best option but being debt free post LS sure would be nice.

Edit- saw the leave Ga for a little in the OP, Vandy will give you more reach to big markets outside the area. This is not to say it is impossible to go out of Ga from UGA but it is definitely tougher, though not as difficult as the numbers make it seem- large number of Ga residents attend and then want to stay in ga after graduation. Full disclosure: UGA 1L here.

sbma04 wrote:Vandy with $75k scholly plus $30k savings IS NOT $80k debt. Probably closer to $135k.

I agree -- no way OP's math is correct unless there's additional family funding or something. I would probably go to UGA, but then again I'm not sure if I trust OP's math on UGA's COA either...