U. Colorado or U. Denver? Help!!

[kill the headlights]

Just to add one more opinion, I'm a CO native, went to CU for undergrad, loved it.  I applied to CU and DU and got rejected at both, but I wanted CU much more.  In state tuition is impossible for me to pass up.  I am still seriously considering trying to transfer to CU for 2L depending on where I end up for 1L.

consider arkansas, either little rock (where i am) or fayetteville.  in-state tuition scholly for ALL out of state acceptees.

i did 2 years here and will do the visiting student thing at denver for 3L.  that is, if they ever confirm it.   

Arkansas...no thank you. I have zero interest in living in Arkansas. Also, there is probably a reason why they give in-state for all out of staters, they are probably worried about bringing their ranking up. I am already worried about Dener's ranking, never mind Arkansas'.

Also, I have a wife and two kids so 300 dollar a month rent isn't realistic for me. I was looking around for Boulder apartments today and they seem pretty similar to Denver's prices. My wife and I are probably going to live in Highlands Ranch and I will take the lightrail.

It seems nobody wants to answer my question. Denver with a 15,000 a year scholarship or CU w/ out money, just in state second and third year. What do you all think, does CU's higher ranking make it worth it?

[CoupDeGlace]

Well, were you admitted to CU? Because in the end all of this could be for nothing. The decision could ultimately be made for you.

Coming from out of state... I'd probably go to CU over DU. I have yet to be offered a scholarship from DU, and I don't expect to be offered one (if by some chance I am, that'd change my whole view on things) As it is it's hard enough to seriously going to Denver over one of my own state universities, both of which are at least 20 spots higher in the rankings.

Once you live in Colorado for a year, you're able to pay in-state tuition for the second and third years at CU. The DU scholarship has a 3.0 requirement, as you said. Now, I think that'd be great motivation to work hard and not allow yourself to slip (not you in particular, but anyone) But there's definitely more security in the CU in-state tuition for second and third years.

Beyond that... CU's class is much smaller than DU's... I'm assuming that being ranked 36 over 77 entails that the school does enjoy some deal of greater prestige. That's not to say DU is a bad school, it may mean DU is a great school but CU is just better.

DU looks awesome. So does CU. You have to worry about a wife and kids, so you may have to choose the cheapest option (which would be DU, if you can keep the scholarship) plus wherever you would deem a better place for your family to live for the next three years. I don't know much about Denver or Boulder (besides the fact that I wouldn't mind living in either city) but I'd assume that, being a huge city, Denver would have greater options for your family.

Anyway, as I said, this could all be a moot point. It's all pending on your acceptance to CU. I hope I, too, have to make such a decision.  Best of luck!

[kill the headlights]

Well, were you admitted to CU? Because in the end all of this could be for nothing. The decision could ultimately be made for you.

Coming from out of state... I'd probably go to CU over DU. I have yet to be offered a scholarship from DU, and I don't expect to be offered one (if by some chance I am, that'd change my whole view on things) As it is it's hard enough to seriously going to Denver over one of my own state universities, both of which are at least 20 spots higher in the rankings.

Once you live in Colorado for a year, you're able to pay in-state tuition for the second and third years at CU. The DU scholarship has a 3.0 requirement, as you said. Now, I think that'd be great motivation to work hard and not allow yourself to slip (not you in particular, but anyone) But there's definitely more security in the CU in-state tuition for second and third years.

Beyond that... CU's class is much smaller than DU's... I'm assuming that being ranked 36 over 77 entails that the school does enjoy some deal of greater prestige. That's not to say DU is a bad school, it may mean DU is a great school but CU is just better.

DU looks awesome. So does CU. You have to worry about a wife and kids, so you may have to choose the cheapest option (which would be DU, if you can keep the scholarship) plus wherever you would deem a better place for your family to live for the next three years. I don't know much about Denver or Boulder (besides the fact that I wouldn't mind living in either city) but I'd assume that, being a huge city, Denver would have greater options for your family.

Anyway, as I said, this could all be a moot point. It's all pending on your acceptance to CU. I hope I, too, have to make such a decision.  Best of luck!

Agreed. I think that for people who want to practice in Denver there is a whole different issue in regards to your talk about schools in your home state. If you wanted to practice in Denver I think going to one of the higher ranked schools in your home state would be a poor choice. So DU does get the nod because of its regional appeal, and it DOES have it, over T2 schools in other states.

Like I mentioned previously, I think the only advantage to CU, in regards to prestige, is that you can seemingly rank lower in your class and still get a great job. But, common sense would say that you can rank higher in your class at DU than CU.

I just don't see much of a reason to hold one school much higher than the other, especially if CU is 20,000 more expensive.

And yes, this assumes that I would be getting accepted. And yes, it is possible (maybe likely 3.42/162), that I won't get accepted. But clearly I am trying to plan like I am accepted to both and if I am not I will go to Denver. So I don't really see the need to point that out. About 90% of this site is probably speculation about acceptances and decisions anyway. I hope you get into both though, just for the record

[kill the headlights]

Oh, and I just was reading an article about the new building and I found out where the old law school building was before the Ricketson was built at DU. It was at Quebec and Montview Blvd. That would be a horrible location. It would seriously make my choice much easier. I am very glad they moved it to its current location on the DU main campus. I toured the building almost two years ago and it was gorgeous, as was the rest of the campus.

[CoupDeGlace]

No, I definitely understand this is speculation. But I'm just saying that, while we all drive ourselves mad with endless speculations, at the end of the day it's still just speculation until it becomes a reality. And I hope that for you it becomes a reality very soon. 

Keep one thing in mind: All that matters is what school *you* prefer. It doesn't matter what the rankings are. You could get into CU and DU and go to CU and just not feel right there. It's as simple as that. If you want to practice in Denver, there's been much said as to the presence of DU graduates in the legal market there. Particularly if you do well, you shouldn't have any problem getting a great job in Denver. If you do well at CU you'd get a great job in Denver as well, I'm sure. It just really all comes down to what is the better value *for you.* For me, CU would be the better value, at least as it stands with me not having received a scholarship. You already have a scholarship offer from DU.

It's like if I choose to stay in Florida, and presuming I get into UF (crosses fingers) I'll have gotten into the 3 largest Florida schools. In order, they rank UF (47), FSU (53), UM (70). UM would only make sense for me if they gave me a huge scholarship. Which they didn't, which is seriously ruling them out. The tuition for Florida residents at UF and FSU is dirt-cheap ($10,000 a year) So, for me the public institution would be the better choice on cost alone.

So, really, the only one who can make this decision is you. I know asking us what you think you should choose is a natural thing, I always ask family and friends for insight too. But at the end of the day, you'll be paying the tuition and it's your degree, so you have to go where you feel is best for you.

If you chose DU with your scholarship over CU with no scholarship (and DU would still be cheaper), I don't think you would be making a foolish decision.

Sure, some people would still say choose CU. But some people would also say DU.

There's only 2 schools in all of Colorado (in comparison, there are 10 in Florida), so at least you only have to pick one over the other!

[kill the headlights]

Yeah, I am just getting opinion. I think that often we can feel one or another, but then someone can say something we didn't think of that makes sense. I am probably leaning toward DU, but I was just gathering opinion.

Also, and probably more importantly, I am someone who goes on "feelings" quite often. So whatever school I feel prompted to go to I will attend. But that doesn't mean someone's words can sway my "feeling."

If you know what I mean.

[somanyquestions]

Just to add one more opinion, I'm a CO native, went to CU for undergrad, loved it.  I applied to CU and DU and got rejected at both, but I wanted CU much more.  In state tuition is impossible for me to pass up.  I am still seriously considering trying to transfer to CU for 2L depending on where I end up for 1L.

consider arkansas, either little rock (where i am) or fayetteville.  in-state tuition scholly for ALL out of state acceptees.

i did 2 years here and will do the visiting student thing at denver for 3L.  that is, if they ever confirm it.   

I know a 3L visiting student at DU from Arkansas. . .wonder if you know her.

[Thistle]

Just to add one more opinion, I'm a CO native, went to CU for undergrad, loved it.  I applied to CU and DU and got rejected at both, but I wanted CU much more.  In state tuition is impossible for me to pass up.  I am still seriously considering trying to transfer to CU for 2L depending on where I end up for 1L.

consider arkansas, either little rock (where i am) or fayetteville.  in-state tuition scholly for ALL out of state acceptees.

i did 2 years here and will do the visiting student thing at denver for 3L.  that is, if they ever confirm it.   

I know a 3L visiting student at DU from Arkansas. . .wonder if you know her.

nope, i dont know any transfers of visitors from here.  there are a couple of us here trying to do the transfer/visiting thing in denver, so it might be the other guy, he's a 2L as well

[JDChaser]

I've been reading/lurking here for a bit, and decided to actually register and post.  Not that I really have anything new to add, other than to say you should definitely go with what you feel is best.  I am a Colorado resident, Castle Rock to be specific, and I will be going through this whole deal for the next cycle.  For me and where I live, DU with $$$$ would be the ideal choice.  Living where I do, I can drive partway and then take the lightrail the rest of the way which is what I currently do for my undergrad at CU Denver.  I've been in Colorado since '05, started school here in '06 and getting in state tuition starting in '07 was not a problem, just make sure to change the registration on your vehicles and get a Colorado drivers license right away, which ideally would be BEFORE the semester starts, trust me on this.  This probably did not come out in translation, but I am a non-trad student; much older, married, child, etc.  Moving for me is NOT an option so, unlike many, I have 2 choices and that is it.  For me it just comes down to finances.  If I were to get accepted to both, wherever is more cost effective is where I'll go.  I'll commute to Boulder each day if it will save me $30K over 3 years, so all things being equal, I'd go to DU.  As far as working in the region after law school, I don't care what anyone says, they are both relatively equal.  DU has bigger classes, so as the years go by, they incrementally have that many more people in the work force.  This in NO way hinders the opportunities for CU law grads, so don't buy into that.  I can't speak to the situation outside of the region, and since I'll be staying in Colorado, this hasn't been a concern to me.  Good luck with your venture, and I'm sure you'll do well no matter what your ultimate choice may be.

[somanyquestions]

Oh, and I just was reading an article about the new building and I found out where the old law school building was before the Ricketson was built at DU. It was at Quebec and Montview Blvd. That would be a horrible location. It would seriously make my choice much easier. I am very glad they moved it to its current location on the DU main campus. I toured the building almost two years ago and it was gorgeous, as was the rest of the campus.

I'm glad they moved the building too. . .I love our building.  I heard the advantage of the old building was the location (across the street from the court house from what I understand).  The rest of the campus won't really matter to you unless you spend a big chunk of time in the undergrad library or get a dual degree.

Congrats on the $$$$$$$$ at DU & I good luck to you with CU.  Both are good schools and you can't go wrong either way.  Despite the differences in rankings both are regional schools that are highly regarded in the area.  At the end of the day the rankings barely matter. . .at least if you want to stay in Colorado.  So once you have that decision to make. . .VISIT VISIT VISIT.  People can give you advice but the ultimate decision is yours.  I know people who went both ways and are happy with their decision.