Top Law Schools

So I need some help before making my final decision by next week! (Although UCLA/Cal (doubtful) WL is still ongoing)

Final contenders:
UCI v. Loyola
(Neither is not an answer for me at this point! Thanks though!)

UCI: Offered $81,000 for all 3 years/Can commute from home or crash at friend's place so no major COL/Total debt around: 70,000 for all 3 years/Stipulation: 2.5
Loyola: Offered $135,000 for all 3 years/Book Stipend up to $1140/Can commute/Total debt around: 25,000 for all 3 years/Stipulation: 2.8

About me:
Public Interest oriented/
mid-sized firm that has good firm culture/
current resident at mid-point of LA and Irvine so COL will be similar if I don't end up commuting/
no plan to retake (takes exhausted)/
worked for 2 years at a big law firm/
no more scholarship negotiation from both.

*I know 2.8 stipulation can be an issue for many but after visiting 3 schools (not including Loyola), 2.5 gpa requirement does not seem to be an issue but maybe that 2.8 is. But regardless, where would you choose?

Where would you go and why?

UCI.

UCI 100%

Are you really and truly going to live at home and commute or are you going to move out after 6 months to a year and then end up 40K+ more in debt?

I think UCI is a bit too expensive here but ok I guess if you're really only going to be in 70K debt

^Nope! I hope not! Thanks guys for the votes.

So 70K debt sounds pretty reasonable with UCI? My co-workers (lawyers) say that that's not bad for a law school. Oddly, all the lawyers here paid sticker prices for their law school (NW, USC, etc.) and they don't think that was a bad decision (maybe that's because they get paid top big law salaries). But I guess UCI is like a middle ground with good rep but reasonable debt amount?

Is it better to use your savings or take loans out as much as you can? If I am interested in govt./PI, LRAP is available so is it not wise to extinguish my savings?

UCI. Your interests may change. You should reevaluate after your first year.

I am still deciding. Is it foolish to choose Loyola over UCI just because they are giving me more money...

middleawkward123 wrote:I am still deciding. Is it foolish to choose Loyola over UCI just because they are giving me more money...

yes. yes it is. take UCI since you're still undecided on work and have biglaw experience. Maybe you'll wanna use those connections to get a job later.

^Thanks! Is Loyola's alumni system not worth considering over UCI's small alumni base? (Is ranking more important than the alumni base of Loyola?) I am mainly worried about the amount of debt for UCI as I am almost positive that I want to do PI/Government. I am not saying that Loyola will place me better but wondering if they are viewed differently when employers hire. Basically, is UCI worth 70-80K debt...

middleawkward123 wrote:^Thanks! Is Loyola's alumni system not worth considering over UCI's small alumni base? (Is ranking more important than the alumni base of Loyola?) I am mainly worried about the amount of debt for UCI as I am almost positive that I want to do PI/Government. I am not saying that Loyola will place me better but wondering if they are viewed differently when employers hire. Basically, is UCI worth 70-80K debt...

UCI's network, though small, it is very strong.

I'm a UCI grad in government... with a lot more debt. PM me if you want to discuss further.