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Economics is one of the most popular fields of study for college students in the U.S. Most schools have an economics program, but some at the top schools are touted as the best economics courses in the world. Whether it's by groundbreaking research, accredited faculty, or rigorous coursework that turns students into industry leaders, each school offers unique strengths for students' consideration. To help students make informed choices, here is InGenuis Prep's list of the top 7 schools in the U.S. for economics majors.

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Harvard University

Harvard is known worldwide as one of the most prestigious universities. Its economics program is equally rated, with 59 faculty, 19 areas of study, and 48 graduate courses. Harvard's faculty is a highlight, with some of the finest professionals in the field working to turn students into industry leaders. "Harvard undergraduate and graduate students are the finest in the world and are the lifeblood of the department. Every year, we get a new group that challenges me to the utmost. I thrive on it." —Claudia Goldin, Henry Lee Professor of Economics.

Major fields include Behavioral Economics, Econometrics, and International Economics.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Consistently rated as one of the best schools in the U.S. across several fields, MIT is another strong contender for economics students to consider. MIT's Economics Program includes everything from various major and minor concentrations, research opportunities, and their Undergraduate Economics Association.

MIT has a vast array of programs and support structures to aid students in their economic research and career endeavors. With one of the most rigorous undergraduate economics programs, students will find MIT to be as challenging a school as it is rewarding. 

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt may be a smaller college, but its impact is significant. Despite employing only 636 full-time faculty, Vanderbilt offers over 100 majors and minors, 20 graduate programs, and over $50 million in research grants. Vanderbilt's Economics Program is one of its most popular majors among undergraduates, also offering M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. 

Vanderbilt has produced impressive outcomes among its students. One result includes Colin Sharpe (Ph.D. ’23), who was chosen as a finalist for the Economic History Association’s Gerschenkron Prize for his studies on “Legal Institutions and Growth in Medieval and Early Modern Europe.” Another outcome is Nobel Laureate and Vanderbilt Economics alumnus Muhammad Yunus being chosen as interim government leader in Bangladesh.

Princeton University

Princeton holds the coveted position of the #1 rated university in the U.S. With over 1,200 faculty, 1,700 research awards, and 31 Nobel Prize winners, and faculty who are not only leading experts but also dedicated mentors to their students. Princeton leads the charge in many higher education fields. Its economics program is, similarly, one of the best in the nation. Princeton's program enables students to conduct ground-breaking research and publish papers in top academic journals. With the best minds in economics all gathered in one place, Princeton offers students the chance to grow beyond their limitations and foster a leadership mindset that they'll use throughout their economics careers. 

Stanford University

The Economics Department at Stanford trains students on methods of modern economics—to conduct basic and applied research with the mission of pushing forward in the field. The school entwines a wide array of economic courses with cutting-edge research—in collaboration with industry experts. Stanford offers students the ability to do research in over 21 economics fields, including decision theory, labor economics, and market design. With a high commitment to research, Stanford's faculty and students routinely publish economics studies that are featured in the top academic journals each year. 

The University of Chicago

UChicago offers an in-depth, comprehensive economics curriculum. Their Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics covers everything from core fundamentals to optional electives for students to tailor their coursework to their interests. Some of the main programs UChicago offers are Ph.D., MACSS, MAPSS, and their undergraduate program. These programs are taught by renowned faculty with distinction such as Nobel Prizes, Clark Medals, and more. UChicago's Economics Department is known for its affiliation with numerous research centers, including the Becker Friedman Institute for Research in Economics, the Center for the Economics of Human Development, and the Development Innovation Lab. These research programs allow students to study, refine, and publish their research alongside some of the best professionals and institutions in the nation. 

Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna, home of the Robert Day School of Economics and Finance, is a highly selective liberal arts college located in Claremont, California. The school offers 41 areas of interest and 33 majors, of which economics is one of its most popular. Claremont's School of Economics uses its liberal arts setting to pair high-achieving students with industry leaders It provides undergraduate and graduate students robust studies on economics, accounting, and finance. Highly motivated students also have the option of completing an accelerated dual-degree program. Throughout ten nationally recognized institutions, Claremont's School of Economics plays a key role in discerning public policy, and its research institutions allow students to conduct specialized research for whichever concentration they mean to make an impact in. 

How to Find the Best Economics Program For You

Each of these schools we've listed offers some of the best economics programs in the world. They would make great places of study for many students. However, each school has its own strengths, and what's perfect for one student may not be optimal for another. 

To choose the right school, students should do their research and identify which universities align with their values, academic goals, and professional aspirations. Admissions Officers at the top schools only choose applicants who would make an ideal fit for their institutions. Applicants should do the same—be selective in which schools will go on your school list. Only dedicate the time and effort to your applications for the schools you're passionate about. 

To learn more about school selection, our experts at InGenius Prep are here to help. Book a free consultation call with an advisor today!