Boston University vs Dartmouth for economics: which is better for undergrads?

Dartmouth has the edge for undergraduate economics. Its economics department is one of the school’s signature strengths, undergrads get unusually direct access to faculty because there are no graduate students dominating classes or research, and the quarter-system D-Plan makes it easier to fit in off-cycle internships or study opportunities.

One of the biggest differences is the teaching environment. At Dartmouth, economics is taught in a smaller, more undergraduate-centered setting, so it is easier to build relationships with professors, get strong recommendation letters, and join research projects early. That matters a lot if you are considering a PhD, top master’s programs, or competitive finance and consulting recruiting.

Another differentiator is recruiting access and alumni reach. Dartmouth places very well into finance, consulting, and economics-adjacent roles, and its alumni network is especially active for undergraduate students. For internships and first jobs, that network can be a major advantage, especially in fields where referrals and school pipelines matter.

Boston University is still a very solid option, especially if you want a larger university in a major city. BU benefits from being in Boston, which gives students access to internships during the school year, and its economics department offers breadth plus strong connections to policy, business, and urban labor markets. For a student who wants more day-to-day proximity to employers and likes a bigger campus environment, that is a real strength.

The tradeoff is that BU’s program can feel less intimate. You may need to be more proactive to stand out in larger classes and navigate opportunities at a big research university.