Stanford (Sticker) vs. Penn Carey ($$)

Help Me Decide

I've been in the fortunate position this cycle to be accepted to a number of really great programs. However, given aid and overall vibes I've narrowed it down to Stanford and Penn Carey.

I myself do not have much money at all (<1 yr WE), but SLS still won't budge on family contribution requirement. My family will not be helping with law school so its double the amount of loans at SLS essentially.

I'm trying to decide whether the name and vibes of SLS are worth the higher cost. I have not visited yet, but friends who went loved their time. I visited Penn and liked it, but it did not feel like quite the perfect fit imo.

For reference, planning on Big Law for like 2-4 years depending to pay off loans before hopefully doing a federal clerkship and pivoting to PI work.

Any advice is appreciated!!

Edit: Either way I max out federal loans. SLS would require private loans as well

Edit2: Forgot to mention I'm planning on going East Coast

Posted Apr 1, 2026, 8:30 PM UTC · edited

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