<p>I agree with onecircuit ^^ that need-based FA at top LACs will be as good or better than at the University of Chicago. A recent CC thread (which I’m having trouble locating) discussed top LAC econ programs. CMC, Williams, Swarthmore, and Haverford were all up there close to the top, along with a few others I can’t remember off the top of my head. Of these, Swarthmore and then probably Haverford come closest to the University of Chicago in terms of intellectual atmosphere, IMO. But admission to these schools isn’t necessarily going to be easier than at Chicago:</p>
<p>School / middle 50% SAT CR+M / acceptance rate</p>
<p>University of Chicago / 1370-1560 / 27%
Williams / 1330-1530 / 20%
Swarthmore / 1340-1530 / 17%<br>
Haverford / 1300-1480 / 25%
CMC / 1310-1510 / 16%</p>
<p>Macalester was also pretty high on the list of best LACs for economics, and a bit less selective in admissions:</p>
<p>Macalester / 1290-1450 / 46% </p>
<p>As for public universities with top econ departments, keep in mind that the University of Minnesota pegs its OOS tuition rate at $4,000 above the in-state rate (so currently $16,669). A student with the OP’s stats would almost certainly qualify for the university’s Honors Program and very likely be eligible for some amount of merit aid.</p>