<p>I’d still recommend Columbia. I’ll admit it’s a tougher choice than it was a few years ago, but on balance, I still think Columbia is a better option. </p>
<p>I know Columbia has a loan forgiveness program, but I don’t know the specifics. Sally has pointed out some caveats for such programs, but I’d look through what it says. To me, it’s less scary to borrow a larger amount of money you might not have to pay back if the job you want or the only job you can get is with a public interest organization paying a lot less than the going rate than it is to borrow a smaller sum you have to pay back no matter what. YMMV. </p>
<p>One of the problems with Temple and UMaryland is that they are both regional schools. In this lousy economy, some cities are suffering more than others. I’d want a degree that would give me the flexibility to get a job anywhere–and IMO Columbia is in that league. I don’t know much about the Philly economy, but I think a city of its size would offer a finite number of jobs and that Temple grads would be competing with folks from lots of law schools for them–UPenn, Dickinson (whatever it’s called now–I can’t remember), Villanova, etc. as well as national law schools. I’d be hesitant to limit my future employment prospects to one region–especially a region in the Northeast. (From abovethelaw, I know that the Philly DA rescinded the 12 offers it had made to current 3Ls to begin working there in the fall. I don’t think that’s a good omen. )</p>
<p>Good luck with the decision!</p>