<p>The U of C math degree will find you surrounded with math geeks - not future financiers. Given the grad school plans you indicate, that may be a fine choice. The NYU program is probably going to feed you a little more directly into the working world of finance, but the recruitment from U of C is strong and you’ll get “real world” experience soon enough. The U of C econ degree will have you surrounded by future financiers, although the work of the degree will be intellectual and not so much career preparatory. </p>
<p>So in summary: Pros of U of C: rigor, prestige, stronger graduate school placement. Pros of NYU: more fun (happier), location in NYC (proximity/internships in finance)</p>