I'd say #1. Being debtfree will be a godsend, finding friends will happen anywhere, and the Honors College will likely be a big plus for grad/law schools. That said, if another 25k of debt doesn't seem like a huge deal to you guys, or you could bail them out in a pinch, maybe just let your DC choose. they're the one who has to live with it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Normally I''d say go with #2 but if your DC is serious about law school I'd say go with #1 to be debt free. Law school is expensive and sounds like your DC will incur debt to attend. Considering the job market for lawyers has been shrinking for almost a decade and will continue to shrink, your DC should have the least amount of debt possible so that s/he has flexibility in the job market.

No. Lawyers do just fine with[b] some debt. This should not be a big issue[/b].

This may be the worst advice I have ever seen on DCUM. Looks like this kid could be facing at least $100k debt ($25K for undergrad and $25K x 3 years of law school), which is a big issue. The practice of law took a big hit from the recession, artificial intelligence is increasingly impacting new lawyers' job prospects and clients increasingly don't want to pay for their work. The huge starting salaries in Biglaw are earned by the rare few. Meanwhile there are supposedly 10,000 lawyers in DC alone doing temp, document review work at $28-$30 an hour. Of course there are plenty of attorneys earning somewhere between the two groups but I repeat, if your DC wants to go to law school, incur the least amount of debt possible for undergrad.

I would choose #2. It's your son's life; he has to be happy and excited about where he is going to spend the next 4 years.

AmyForever wrote:I will choose option 1# definitely as its debt free, socializing will never be a problem...just do you best and shine

Socializing can be a problem at a small school. It can be more like a high school than a college.
I've heard of many people hating their small school environment because of the social dynamics but staying there because it was easier than staying.
I'd consider those dynamics seriously over saving a few $$.

Anonymous wrote:Normally I''d say go with #2 but if your DC is serious about law school I'd say go with #1 to be debt free. Law school is expensive and sounds like your DC will incur debt to attend. Considering the job market for lawyers has been shrinking for almost a decade and will continue to shrink, your DC should have the least amount of debt possible so that s/he has flexibility in the job market.

No. Lawyers do just fine with some debt. This should not be a big issue.

School #2.
Good spirit is great. So is having more classes and professors to choose from.
At small schools the course offerings can be so limited it can be hard to fit things in right.
Also, its nice to have a bigger friend group to choose from and more activities and clubs to choose from.

I'd say go with #2 or DC will always wonder if s/he could have been happier there.

Normally I''d say go with #2 but if your DC is serious about law school I'd say go with #1 to be debt free. Law school is expensive and sounds like your DC will incur debt to attend. Considering the job market for lawyers has been shrinking for almost a decade and will continue to shrink, your DC should have the least amount of debt possible so that s/he has flexibility in the job market.

If you tell us the schools we might be able to weigh in with additional specific opinions or considerations.

Why is #1 underwhelming to your child, other than he won't know anyone there? (To me that's not a big deal. You make new friends in college.) The Honors College is a significant consideration, if that means access to better academic resources, classmates, etc. What exactly does it mean? What tier law schools does #1 have hooks with?

You mention NY. Is that where your child wants to settle after college? Are you saying #2 is more prestigious? There's the big fish in a small pond issue to consider with #1.

As far as graduate school, most people I know have been responsible for paying their own way for graduate school.

#2

25k in debt is considered manageable.

Small can be really small.

Don't choose based on getting into law school. Kid might change mind, and there is no prep needed for law school except for active, engaged mind. To me, $25,000 debt does not sound like much, but you have to make that decision considering your circumstances. I would go with option 2, sounds like more opportunity and excitement. But it really depends on the particulars. With the right attitude, any place is great.

I will choose option 1# definitely as its debt free, socializing will never be a problem...just do you best and shine

On balance in terms of honors programs and looking to the next step, I'd lean towards the #1 choice. You could be underwhelmed anywhere, its the effort you put in that gets results, academically, socially, etc.

DC has narrowed to 2 schools. Finances have been a consideration but D.C. chose 5 good schools and was accepted at all with merit aid. Further study (grad school or more likely law school) is a likely thing and would like to study abroad.

Head says choose #1 - smaller (DC now worries it's too small), not well known here but decent in its geographic area with a good alumni network. Will be able to graduate debt free. Accepted to Honors College. Has an entry program with several top law schools. Will know no one there. No big sports. DC likes it but is maybe underwhelmed.

Heart says choose #2 -more well known but not elite by any means. Good sports and campus spirit. DC really likes it a lot and has friends already there and going next year as well. Not offered Honors Program. Solid reputation, more exciting location, and great alumni network in NY area. Very impressive dept. chair. No hooks but solid law school placements. Will graduate with about 25K in debt.

What should we be considering that we might not be thinking of? Neither DH nor I did graduate school so we know nothing about financing that. We have one more child who will be 2 years behind.