<p>I would respectfully disagree that people interested in public interest law choose another path. I practice in that field and am extremely satisfied. While it’s true that I make significantly less than attorneys in private practice or government jobs, I have an excellent quality of life and am able to support myself just fine, if not luxuriously!</p>
<p>However, public interest–like BigLaw firms–cares about prestige: the type of school you went to, what internships you had, etc. Going to a high-ranked school counts for a lot. Higher-ranked schools are also more likely than other schools to have loan repayment assistance programs (check the details! some are MUCH better than others), specific public interest advisers in the career services office, funded summer internships, and public interest scholarships. </p>
<p>I would say that if public interest is a definite goal, going to a SLIGHTLY less selective school in exchange for SIGNIFICANTLY reduced debt is a good plan. I wouldn’t say that as much for students who want to work at firms.</p>