<p>How strong is NU in economics? I heard Uchicago ranks among the top three in economics, and I wonder how prominent Northwestern's economics program is, being Uchicago's academic rival</p>
<p>Who cares? Our recruiting slays Uchicago and if you want to do grad work in econ or something it doesn't even matter where you do your UG.</p>
<p>Well, as far as undergrads go, our team never lost to theirs in the midwest regional of the College Fed Challenge. Our team reached the finals in all of the last 5 years, winning it all 3 times while placing 3rd twice (Harvard won the other two). They both got top experts in the field but uchicago has a few Nobel profs and we don't. This difference has zero effect on the econ education for undergrads.</p>
<p>Sam Lee is right. This question is irrelevant to the undergrad experience. BOth have really excellent econ departments. Go to the school you like better, if you have the choice.</p>
<p>FYI, below is how USN ranks our <em>graduate</em> econ (mostly based on peer assessment/reputation for the faculty):
Overall: 8th
Subspecialties:
Econometrics: 8th
Industrial organization: 4th
Labor economics: 12th
Macroeconomics: 8th
Microeconomics: 9th
Public finance: 11th</p>
<p>I'd say NU econ > UChicago econ any day, evidence is in the College Fed Challenge.</p>
<p>But I'm a biased EDer who is majoring in Econ haha.</p>
<p>Both schools' econ departments are great. I'd say Northwestern has the tiny bit greater practical touch attached, especially with the accompanying majors often coupled with economics. You will have amazing opportunities to develop in both departments without a question.</p>
<p>NU has an amazing econ department. Great reputation, and the curriculum has a lot less "fluff" (as in courses on strange, obscure, irrelevant topics) than most econ departments.</p>
<p>Oh, and it's supposedly very rigorous...especially if you get into MMSS.</p>