Any big difference in rigor and respectability between the two? Especially in Econ?
There have been previous posts on this topic. Basically they are equal with regards to undergrad econ and overall undergrad experience, so go with fit. Make sure to visit both campuses.
These schools’ economics departments have been analyzed on the basis of faculty publishing. Northwestern and Duke rank 16th and 23rd, respectively.
(“US Economics Departments,” IDEAS.)
Let’s not forget Northwestern is on the shores of Lake Michigan and a short hop into Chicago. In addition to being slightly ahead in Economics, I’d prefer location as well!
Are you from the south? My son went to Chapel Hill and found being in the south very different (we are from NJ). A big difference in political and cultural views.
Just throwing out my gut instinct (sorry) but I’d almost always pick Duke in that scenario.
A superstar-student relative of mine went to Duke (from the northeast) and loved it. Lives in Manhattan now.
NW is great but I feel like Duke has more name recognition. Of course the particular NW program could be better - I don’t know enough specifics to answer in that regard.