You are definitely wise to factor in the debt as a major part of your decision process, but if being a lawyer has been a strong to burning desire in your life, then GO! You have two very good law schools to pick from. Rattle the cages of both the Tulane and Rutgers Career Centers and get more-in-depth facts and figures about the placement of their graduates. Also, ask for names of recent alumni in the locations you would like to practice in (especially those with middle-of-the-road jobs) and talk to them. If you are still looking at law as a career, you've come this far with two very good choices. Go!