WashU vs Princeton for economics: which is better for undergraduate economics major?

Princeton is the stronger option for undergraduate economics. Its economics department has exceptional depth, the major is one of the university’s signature academic strengths, and undergrads benefit from a curriculum that is both rigorous and closely tied to high-level theory, policy, and quantitative work.

One major difference is the department itself. Princeton economics is unusually prominent within the university and has long been a destination for students interested in PhD-level preparation, public policy, finance, and economic research. The junior independent work and senior thesis structure also push economics students to do substantial original analysis, which is a real advantage if you want serious academic training rather than just a set of classes.

Professor access is better at both schools than people sometimes assume, but Princeton stands out because undergraduate teaching and advising are built into the culture more intentionally than at many peer institutions. The residential college system, smaller discussion settings in many courses, and the expectation of independent work create more natural faculty contact than a standard lecture-only experience. In economics, that matters because strong mentorship often leads to better recommendations, research roles, and clearer grad school direction.

Research and post-college outcomes are another place Princeton has an edge. WashU is an excellent university with a very good economics program and often a more flexible, less intense atmosphere, but for undergraduate economics specifically, Princeton offers a higher ceiling academically and carries more weight in economics circles.