NYU vs Duke$$ Forum

[2017LawChoices]

Hi All,

I would really appreciate some advice on choosing between schools.

My goal is Big Law, at least initially (I would prefer to practice in NY, but location isn't that big of deal). I'm considering government (DOJ) or in-house after my loans are paid off. I would definitely like to do a clerkship, if possible. I've saved a fair amount from working and my parents can help some during my 3L year. My options are basically down to:

NYU: Sticker. Debt at graduation $137,000.
Duke: $81,000 scholarship. Debt at graduation $42,000. (would need to buy a car, which somewhat reduces CoL advantage)

For what it's worth, I'm a splitter LSAT: 170 & GPA 3.65 (It's more extreme than it looks, since my GPA for my second 2 years of undergrad was a 3.94)

[UVA2B]

How are you doing these COA calculations? How is sticker at NYU only $137k? You're leaving something out here to explain that debt.

That being said, if these numbers are accurate for whatever reason, I'd vote Duke at $42k, but both options are defensible. NYU gives you more opportunities to end up in NY, but Duke can absolutely put you there for much cheaper.

[2017LawChoices]

137K would be my debt at graduation. Obviously the full NYU sticker price is much higher, but I'd be paying for a large amount with my savings and with my parent's help.

[existentialcrisis]

Duke for sure.

[proteinshake]

so for both schools would you pretty much be draining your savings then owing the amounts listed in the poll?

[2017LawChoices]

so for both schools would you pretty much be draining your savings then owing the amounts listed in the poll?

Exactly. Sorry if that wasn't clear in my original post.

[existentialcrisis]

I would love to have the 3 NYU votes explain why they think NYU is worth 100k more than Duke for someone with NYC biglaw goals. That just seems ridiculous to me.

[Npret]

so for both schools would you pretty much be draining your savings then owing the amounts listed in the poll?

OP you should include what you are paying out of pocket to give actual COA. But no way is NYU worth 6 figures more than Duke for biglaw.

[Hikikomorist]

Is retaking an option? With a couple more points, couldn't OP expect $120k+ from Duke?

[proteinshake]

Is retaking an option? With a couple more points, couldn't OP expect $120k+ from Duke?

with a 3.65 GPA, that ain't happening unless OP can negotiate Duke up using other offers.

[jbagelboy]

Duke.

[Rigo]

Duke. That's a sweet debt load for a biglaw salary. Enjoy.

[Mikey]

if the COA is right, then duke