I’m looking into these schools that I have been accepted into, and I’m having trouble deciding where to go. My most important factors that I’m trying to take into consideration are ability to take interdisciplinary courses/majors and internships, in relation to how much I will have to borrow to attend the school. (Basically, is it academically justifiable to go to a more expensive school in the long run? Is the differences in results in outcome after undergrad large enough to go into debt? I have no idea). Im planning on majoring in political science, but I’m also interested in math and physical sciences (hence my priority of ability to take interdisciplinary majors). My goal is to go to Law School after college (maybe not immediately but eventually?) I’d also like to go to a BigLaw school, so I’m trying to take that into consideration as well. Here are my options (as well as the estimated amount I’ll have to borrow):
Congrats on your great choices! I don’t know the answers to your questions, but I did want to mention that Pepperdine does have a great law school and a wonderful alumni network. There is a massive difference between graduating with $100,000 in debt vs $8,000 in debt, especially if you are planning to continue on afterwards. Personally I’d eliminate Claremont on that basis alone. Probably UCLA also. Good luck on your decision!
It seem like you would borrow the least for UC Berkeley. The fact that UC Berkeley has one of the top political science departments in the country plus highly ranked math and physical science departments, you might strongly consider UC Berkeley. I assume BigLaw means top 10 to 15 law school. UC Berkeley’s law school is in the top 10 and UCLA’s law school is a top 15 to 20 (US News). Pepperdine has a descent law school, but not even near the top or top 50.
First things first, you can only borrow a max of $5500 first year, $6500 second year, and $7500 your third and fourth year for a total of $27K over four years, so if you need to borrow more than that and can’t come up with the shortfall for UCLA or Claremont McKenna another way, your options may be narrowed to Berkeley and Pepperdine. Even if you were able to come up with the shortfall, I would not borrow $60K to $100K more for UCLA or Claremont over your other (virtually free) options.
Have you (or will you be able to) visit either school? They are very different with very different student cultures, environments and overall vibes. I’ve always believed students do best and thrive where they are happiest (vs. bloom where they are planted). If you are able to visit, I think which one is the best fit for **you **would become clear very quickly.