UChicago JD/MBA vs. Columbia LEAD JD (urgent)
Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2023 1:46 pm
I applied and was recently admitted to two deferral programs this year, the 3-year UChicago JD/MBA program and Columbia LEAD program. For both programs, I would defer admission for 2 years, allowing me to gain work experience following undergrad.
FinAid: Since both programs are deferral programs, I’d apply for aid the year before I matriculate, so I don't have an estimate of how much aid I would receive now.
According to their website, total COA for UChicago JD/MBA is ~$146k, and COA for CLS is ~$110k.
Goals: Big law somewhat close to home, so probably in NYC, Boston, Chicago, or even DC.
I truly cannot decide between either program. On one hand, obtaining a dual-degree JD and MBA from UChicago in just 3 years seems worth it, especially considering both UChicago Law and Booth Business School are amazing programs. On the other hand, I’m not sure how much aid I would receive from either school and UChicago COA is higher, and CLS has an advantage for future Big Law prospects (from what I understand, but please correct me if I’m wrong).
Also interested to know: Is a JD/MBA program even worth it for Big Law, and what about exit opportunities in the future? What advantages does obtaining an MBA provide, in addition to the JD? How does UChicago aid compare relative to CLS? Are UChicago Law and CLS considered equally prestigious for East Coast BL firms?
I only have a couple days left to decide between either program, so any advice would be hugely appreciated! Thank you so much!!!
FinAid: Since both programs are deferral programs, I’d apply for aid the year before I matriculate, so I don't have an estimate of how much aid I would receive now.
According to their website, total COA for UChicago JD/MBA is ~$146k, and COA for CLS is ~$110k.
Goals: Big law somewhat close to home, so probably in NYC, Boston, Chicago, or even DC.
I truly cannot decide between either program. On one hand, obtaining a dual-degree JD and MBA from UChicago in just 3 years seems worth it, especially considering both UChicago Law and Booth Business School are amazing programs. On the other hand, I’m not sure how much aid I would receive from either school and UChicago COA is higher, and CLS has an advantage for future Big Law prospects (from what I understand, but please correct me if I’m wrong).
Also interested to know: Is a JD/MBA program even worth it for Big Law, and what about exit opportunities in the future? What advantages does obtaining an MBA provide, in addition to the JD? How does UChicago aid compare relative to CLS? Are UChicago Law and CLS considered equally prestigious for East Coast BL firms?
I only have a couple days left to decide between either program, so any advice would be hugely appreciated! Thank you so much!!!