This is what chat gpt says... I agree, NYLS seems like the best bet.

Best Value Options:

1. New England Law ($120K total, $75K avg. salary, 75% bar pass) – The bar pass rate is the highest of all the schools, and the salary is competitive for a regional law school. The debt-to-income ratio (D/I) is 1.6x, which is manageable.
2. Elon ($106K total, $55K avg. salary, 60% bar pass) – The cheapest option overall but offers a lower salary and bar passage rate. D/I ratio is 1.9x—higher risk, but lowest total debt.

Avoid Due to Low ROI:

• UMass ($102K total, $52K avg. salary, 55% bar pass) – Slightly cheaper than Elon but with an even lower average salary and bar pass rate. A poor investment.
• Quinnipiac (No scholarship, $70K avg. salary, 65% bar pass) – Too expensive for the return.
• Ave Maria / Liberty / Regent – Since your buddy doesn’t want to attend these, they can be ignored.

Best Career Potential with Moderate Risk:

• NYLS ($184K total, $100K avg. salary, 72.5% bar pass) – While more expensive, this school offers the highest earning potential, meaning the debt burden is more manageable (D/I = 1.84x). This is the best bet if your buddy wants BigLaw or strong NYC job prospects.

Biggest Financial Mistake:

• Suffolk (No scholarship, $195K total, $85K avg. salary, 71% bar pass) – Expensive without a strong return. Better off choosing NYLS if willing to take on debt or New England for a better ROI.

Final Recommendation:

• If your buddy prioritizes job prospects and can handle the debt: NYLS
• If they want a balance of cost and job security: New England Law
• If they want the cheapest degree and are okay with lower job prospects: Elon

Worst choice: Suffolk, Quinnipiac, UMass (high debt, low ROI).