Boston College vs Holy Cross for economics: which is better for an undergrad econ major?

Boston College is usually the stronger pick for undergraduate economics if you want broader course offerings, easier access to internships, and a larger alumni network tied to finance, consulting, and policy. Holy Cross is also very good, but it stands out more for close faculty attention, small classes, and a teaching-focused environment. For econ specifically, BC tends to have more depth and more pre-professional reach, while Holy Cross often offers a more intimate academic experience.

At Boston College, the Economics Department is larger and sits within a university with stronger connections to the Boston job market. That matters for semester-time internships, especially in finance, research, and business roles, because Boston is a major advantage and BC students can realistically combine classes with off-campus opportunities. BC also has stronger name recognition nationally and a larger alumni base, which can help with recruiting and grad-school connections.

Holy Cross has a well-regarded economics department too, and one of its biggest strengths is undergraduate teaching. Classes are generally smaller, faculty are very accessible, and advising can feel more personal. If you learn best through discussion, close mentorship, and direct interaction with professors, Holy Cross may actually feel better day to day than BC, especially in intro and intermediate courses where larger universities can sometimes feel less personal.

For grad school preparation, both can work well if you take the quantitative track seriously, build strong relationships with professors, and do research. BC may offer more advanced electives and a wider academic ecosystem, while Holy Cross can make it easier to stand out for recommendations. If your top priority is internships and overall economics-related career access, BC has the edge. If your top priority is teaching quality, mentorship, and a smaller liberal arts setting, Holy Cross is a very legitimate choice.