Akron (free) vs Notre Dame (not free)

[OhioUTOD]

I come to this forum seeking advice. Here's my scenario:

I live in Ohio, and enjoy the thought of attending school at least in the same region as my home. I'm interested in IP law.

Two months ago, I received a full-tuition scholarship to University of Akron's law school. Yes, they are T3. But, they also: have the best bar pass rate in the state of Ohio currently; and have a fairly well-known IP program. Given that the cost of my education there would be FREE, I accepted the scholarship and paid my seat deposit.

Three months ago, I received an app fee waiver from Notre Dame. I've always loved the idea of attending ND, undergrad or grad, so I applied, and essentially forgot about it, given the scholarship info I received from Akron. However, I got a shock this morning when I received notice of my acceptance at ND with an accompanying half-tuition (approx.) scholarship.

I've already arranged a campus visit for next Friday at ND, but I'm just unsure about everything now. I would LOVE to attend ND, but, in your (hopefully non-elitist) opinions, is the ~$100,000 of debt I'd incur worth it? An ND degree would certainly better my career chances, but the debt load sounds...oppressive.

Thoughts?

[Matthies]

Whenevr I read ND in relation to law schools I allways think North Dakota first, rather than Notre Dame, don't know why, but I do, just saying there is more than one ND.

[Remarq]

I would absolutely take Notre Dame. With half tuition and the col in south bend as cheap as it is I think it's a very good investment. ND's name will carry well in Ohio if you decide to return home. ND has national name rec and it has a famously loyal alumni base. Take their offer.

[SamE397]

I'm a little confused is Notre Dame only offering you the scholarship for the first year. How do you figure it's going to cost you 100k more?

[OhioUTOD]

I'm a little confused is Notre Dame only offering you the scholarship for the first year. How do you figure it's going to cost you 100k more?

No, the offer's $16,000/year, renewable for 3 years.

Notre Dame's student budget (tuition/fees + COL + misc. expenses), as listed on their Web site, is about $50,000/year. Taking away $16,000 leaves me $34,000/year to come up with on my own. Over three years, that's $102,000.

At Akron, I would still have to come up with money on my own, but the amount would be greatly reduced, perhaps $14,000/year.

[Pop Up Video]

Notre Dame

[SamE397]

I'm a little confused is Notre Dame only offering you the scholarship for the first year. How do you figure it's going to cost you 100k more?

No, the offer's $16,000/year, renewable for 3 years.

Notre Dame's student budget (tuition/fees + COL + misc. expenses), as listed on their Web site, is about $50,000/year. Taking away $16,000 leaves me $34,000/year to come up with on my own. Over three years, that's $102,000.

At Akron, I would still have to come up with money on my own, but the amount would be greatly reduced, perhaps $14,000/year.

Sorry when you said cost I took that to mean marginal cost which is obviously not what you meant

[menlow]

If you would be so kind as to lend me your identity, I will go to Notre Dame on half scholarship.

[Crimson:devil(red)]

Notre Dame for reasons already stated.

[YouShouldFeelPrivileged]

ND

And I don't mean North Dakota 

P.S.
I am an Ohian too! & Notre Dame dinged me    so you should go for the both of us, lol