Swat vs WashU

I narrowed down my choices between these two schools and I’m looking to major in Economics with intention of going into Foreign Service or economic policy on global/national level. The reason I’m posting on this board is because I feel spiritually drawn to WashU; I had visited both schools and seeing how both have stellar economics departments, I gravitate towards better food/dorms/campus and ease of double-majoring (also interested in polisci/poliecon). Swarthmore, however, has honors seminars that allow for more real-life application of knowledge, and the general intensity that the school is known for usually paves way for the best grad school options across the fields. Plus, I don’t mind food and dorms and actually feel like I fit in more with Swarthmore people. It’s just that WashU seems a lot more lively with a more variety of people to meet over the years.

Given my intentions and desire to be most competitive for grad school, would I be worse off going to WashU than Swarthmore? Is that a factor that should strongly weigh into my decision?

Both are outstanding schools.

If you plan on attending graduate school, then COA for each school should be considered.

Does location matter? Your intern/job opportunities will be in NYC and DC.