Should I take on the debt to pursue my career goals?

[Administrator]

Below is a conversation between PowerScore CEO Dave Killoran, and a student, Jesse, about Jesse's law school decision.

Jesse: "It is nice to see that I am not the only having to make tough decisions about law school. I have a question regarding what you all believe would be the best course of action. I am also from Minnesota.

• 1. I was accepted to Maryland Law (Top 50) with no scholarship so I would be paying sticker out of state for the first year, and in state for years 2 and 3 because my parents reside in Maryland.
  
  2. I received 60% from St. Thomas, so huge discount, however St. Thomas is a regional school and I don't think I want to be in Minnesota forever.

I am attracted to the Maryland offer because it was pretty much my first choice, however, it is very costly and the amount of debt I will incur upon graduating worries me. However, I do know that I want to have the option to practice sports and entertainment law in DC, NY, LA, MIAMI, or CHI if I wanted to. And i feel that Maryland Law would give me the best opportunity to do that in the future. Should I take the money and run? Or should I take on the debt to pursue my career goals?"

Dave Killoran: Hi Jesse, This is a very difficult choice, and there are people on both sides who would argue strongly that one choice or the other is best. I'd first suggest you create a spreadsheet that shows you the *exact* debt you will acquire by attending each school (including cost of living, etc). Second, with that information in hand, you need to look at the job outcomes form each school, especially in light of your career goals. There is also the consideration that in the field you say interests you, UST has zero name recognition whereas Maryland is at least a "name" brand among people (I don't mean Maryland Law specifically, but just the University). There are no sure things here, and 60% off UST is nice, but it still leaves you with debt. but Maryland leaves you with more--and you have to be prepared to deal with that if you take that choice.

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!"