<p>I've been admitted to the University of Florida and Case Western Reserve University and I am having a difficult time making a decision. So far I am leaning towards Case Western but I do have a question about University of Florida if anyone can help. It seems that University of Florida has a good amount of prestige within Florida; however, first year earnings are far lower than other law schools in Florida. I've noticed this in the U.S. News Ultimate Guide to Law Schools, Barron's Guide to Law Schools, and a few other publications. Why is this? Why would a school that is considered to be so prestigious have first year earning figures that are so low? I'm talking $63,500 median in the private sector--compared to University of Miami's $83,500 and Florida State's $67,500. I realize part of this might be that not all of those polled for earning amounts returned the information, but there must be more to it. Anyone have the inside scoop?</p>
<p>My guess, and it is only a guess, is that geography has a lot to do with it, i.e., where each schools graduates acutally settle down to practice law -- rural vs. urban.</p>
<p>Debt load upon graduation. When students have less debt, they are free to take 9-5 law jobs, not ones which have them work 80 hours/week.</p>
<p>I'm not convinced that the numbers law schools report for income for first-year graduates can be trusted.</p>
<p>Case is by far the better school, but is insanely expensive. Plus the winter in Cleveland is just now ending.</p>
<p>Yes, I have made my decision to attend Case. I have never been to Cleveland so this will be a refreshing, new experience.</p>
<p>It's not often that "Cleveland" and "refreshing" have appeared in the same sentence.</p>
<p>Seriously, though, Cleveland is an underrated city, and Case is located right at its formidable cultural center. When the grind of law school gets you down, a few hours in that utterly fantastic art museum should help you reconstitute yourself.</p>
<p>Yeah I worked at the Art Museum the summer before my senior year in high school and it is truly fabulous. Lots of gay guys worked there though which was unusual. Be sure to spend hours on end checking out the thinker statue and feeding the fish in the lagoon. You can literally walk to the museum from campus. Also check out the Rock Hall, Great Lakes Science Center, West Side Market for some truly exotic authentic food, Tremont and the Warehouse District for the upscale "clubby" stuff, and last but not least check out the Free Stamp on E. 9th and wonder what the artist was smoking when that "piece of art" was commissioned.</p>