<p>I certainly understand the concerns about financial aid. I was one of the lucky ones for whom financial aid made the choice easier rather than harder. Anyhow, I would you to broaden your search; if you’re aiming at academia in Economics, it can be more helpful to develop strong relationships with faculty and/or advisors than be lost in the sea of a more ‘brand-name’ Economics department. John List did his undergrad at the U of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and his graduate study at Wyoming, and look where he is now.</p>