USC or UCLA? Forum

[templeofjawns]

I'm now deciding between USC and UCLA, but it's a tough decision. UCLA is offering me 75k, while USC is offering 120k.

UCLA is objectively the better school, with slightly better employment statistics. It's also considered the next tier down from T14 (alongside Vanderbilt and Texas, while USC isn't always lumped in here). I feel like the UCLA name might open up more doors down the line?

I love USC's Trojan Family, as well as the generally fratty feel of the law school, and I think this would be a nice fit for me. Plus, 120k.

If it helps, I'm in-state (California), and hope to work in LA biglaw.

Also, would it be correct to think that it would be harder to rank higher in the class at UCLA, since the school's medians are higher than USC's?

Definitely looking for some guidance on this. Thanks!

[Tiago Splitter]

UCLA isn't objectively better. A number of times in recent years USC has placed a higher percentage into biglaw. Definitely take USC.

[El Principe]

If you think the ~5% biglaw/fedclerk advantage UCLA has over USC, which, for all we know, could reverse in the next year, is worth passing up nearly 50K in scholarship money, then go for it.

If you asked me, I wouldn't take out ~45K more in loans + interest for 5%.

[nebula666]

Equal price = pick your favorite. If either is even marginally cheaper = go there. Go to USC.

[EJL123]

I had the same dilemma, and I will be following the $$$. Peer schools are peer. Go to the school with cheaper cost-of-attendance.

[zman]

You are right about everything except for the "slightly better employment statistics". That's a myth although this year UCLA had a better year this year. For the last 10 years or so since they started keeping detailed employment stats USC has placed more into big law, higher median salary and fewer unemployed by a solid margin(if you factor out the school funded jobs).

[californiauser]

Apparently ucla doesn't view USC as a peer since their fall in the rankings