UMiami or Florida State? Forum

[Agentsoapbox]

I'm having trouble deciding between UMiami and Florida State.

I am in at UMiami with 30k a year. I just got into FSU with little to no scholarship (don't know yet)

Even with no scholarship, FSU would probably be cheaper than UMiami. FSU's employment numbers are better than UM's though really not by a HUGE margin.

Miami argues that because they are older they have a wider, stronger alumni base, especially in Miami. They also argue that because it's a private institution the higher pricetag is for a lot of resources not afforded to state schools. They argue that FSU's numbers are better because more of those students go into public interest work, which is always there. However, Miami has better numbers for private sector jobs.

FSU on the other hand... is a tier 1 school. It's ranked better and its cheaper. Don't really know much about their programs since I just got accepted and only applied based on their rank and price and locality. Part of me feels that the smart thing would be to go to FSU, but Miami seems to be making a great argument for itself.

Make your best arguments for either school. Please help me decide.

[cricketlove00]

To my knowledge, Miami is the best choice IF you want to work in Miami. They have a pretty solid alumni base in South Florida.

However, I prefer FSU (I'm a little biased because I don't like Miami as an area). I think FSU has a further-reaching alumni base across Florida. I'm not sure how far-reaching UMiami's program is outside of Miami.

Honestly, in this case, I would go with what is cheaper. Make sure you ask FSU about a scholarship. I asked and got one, albeit a non-renewable one for my first year only. With tuition so low, though, you can't go wrong.

Do you know what you want to practice? FSU seems to place really well in government work.

[Cicero76]

FSU

[TheSpanishMain]

What resources does Miami claim it has as a private school that a public school wouldn't? Also, I think the idea that "there is always public service work" is pretty hilarious considering how much government hiring has slowed.

If you want to work in the private sector in Miami, though, I think Miami with 30k a year is defensible. Are you from the area? Can you live with family to keep CoL expenses down?

[Agentsoapbox]

I am from the area. I have family nearby, though I wouldn't be living with them. As it is, I actually have a great, inexpensive place just a stone's throw from the school. I would like to practice in Miami. Though I'm not married to the idea.

[MisterGabriel]

Have you researched what would be the COL in FSU? I literally just got the call an hour ago that I got into FSU and I'd be interested to know what the average costs are...

The way the votes are falling, it looks like FSU is an auto pick right now.

[sublime]

..

[Agentsoapbox]

I'm actually worried that the financial aid won't be enough for me to live in Tallahassee.

FSU's website lists:

Room: 5,000
Board: 5,000
Books: 1,500
Transportation: 1,500
Personal: 3,500
---------------
16,500

UM has

Room/Board: 14,148
Books: 1,200
Personal: 3664
Transportation: 4036
-------
23,048



I like to not have to move out over the summers, so my allowance for housing, I split by 12, not 10. That gives me $416 a month for housing? I don't think that's enough for me to live on. The board should be fine. But I've also got a car which requires a payment and insurance. I don't think the $1,500 is enough.

The UM budget does allow for all those things. My rent here in Miami is $600 a month. The UM budget allows me to keep my standard of living. I think the FSU budget is too basic. I mean, it doesn't give me wiggle room. I don't want to have to be eating Ramen noodles.

[CoffeeIsLife]

I'm actually worried that the financial aid won't be enough for me to live in Tallahassee.

FSU's website lists:

Room: 5,000
Board: 5,000
Books: 1,500
Transportation: 1,500
Personal: 3,500
---------------
16,500

UM has

Room/Board: 14,148
Books: 1,200
Personal: 3664
Transportation: 4036
-------
23,048



I like to not have to move out over the summers, so my allowance for housing, I split by 12, not 10. That gives me $416 a month for housing? I don't think that's enough for me to live on. The board should be fine. But I've also got a car which requires a payment and insurance. I don't think the $1,500 is enough.

The UM budget does allow for all those things. My rent here in Miami is $600 a month. The UM budget allows me to keep my standard of living. I think the FSU budget is too basic. I mean, it doesn't give me wiggle room. I don't want to have to be eating Ramen noodles.

Generally speaking COL budgets aren't going to give you money for car payments and car insurance, credit card payments etc.

[Agentsoapbox]

I know. That's why I'm living on $600 a month for rent when UM is giving me a budget to live off of maybe $1000 for rent.

But FSU's cost of living is so low that their budgets don't leave any wiggle room for me to live more frugally in order to make my car payments.

For example, at 14k for room and board, I could afford 900-1000 a month for rent. But I can reasonably live with a roommate and just pay $600 a month (which is what I'm doing) and then use the surplus to pay my other living expenses. Even so, the "personal" and "transportation" is enough in itself to pay for my car in its entirety!

[MisterGabriel]

Aren't most dorms taken by now? I've heard it's difficult securing housing this late...

[Agentsoapbox]

Well, UMiami doesn't have dorms for law students. All students must live off campus. Which I do, and even if dorms were an option, my current living situation is much cheaper than dorms would ever be.

I don't know about dorms at FSU, but like I said... dorms tend to be more expensive than living off campus.

[C10]

Hey Agent, I currently live in Tallahassee as an undergrad and I'm just scanning the forum because I'm interested in law school. My rent (1 bedroom loft style) is $580. My utilities average around $130. My insurance has gone down from $160 (when I was living in Palm Beach County) to $46 in Tallahassee (Make sure you call your insurance company and ask if your new address will give you a lower rate). FSU is a great school. It has a laid-back attitude and the majority of the people are polite. Hope this helps!

P.S. Gas is also cheaper here. $3.29 last week when I filled up vs. Palm Beach County prices, which I'm sure is $3.50 or so.

PM me if you have any questions. I'm just passing by and probably won't see anyone post for awhile.

[North]

.

[MisterGabriel]

Are you attending this Fridays ASD? I literally booked my flight yesterday

I'm between the same choices and I figure that before I make a choice, I need to actually visit the place in person. I've been to UM's ASD, FIU's ASD & now FSU coming up. I'm sure it'll be a culture shock as I am a Miami local.