Williams vs Princeton for economics: which is better for undergrads?

For undergraduate economics, Princeton has the edge if you want the deepest department, the widest range of upper-level coursework, and unusually strong access to high-level research resources while still being at a school focused heavily on undergrads. Its economics department is one of the university’s flagship strengths, and undergraduates can tap into a very large faculty, junior papers and senior thesis advising, and a campus culture where economics connects easily with public policy, math, computer science, and finance.

On teaching and professor access, Williams is excellent and in some ways more intimate. The tutorial system, very small classes, and liberal arts college setting can make it easier to build close relationships with professors early. For a student who wants highly personalized teaching and constant discussion-based learning, Williams is a real advantage. But Princeton is unusually strong here for a research university because undergraduates are central to the institution, and many economics majors still get serious faculty mentorship through independent work.

On support and student experience within the major, Princeton’s required independent work is a meaningful differentiator. The junior papers and senior thesis create built-in structure for developing research skills, and that often leads to stronger advising relationships and more substantive projects by graduation.

For placement and academic reputation in economics, both are outstanding, but Princeton carries more weight if you are thinking ahead to economics PhD study, top research assistant roles, or highly competitive finance and policy opportunities. Williams has a superb track record and a famously strong undergraduate teaching culture, yet Princeton’s economics department is simply more powerful in breadth, visibility, and resources.