Colgate vs Dartmouth for economics: which is better for an undergraduate econ major?

The biggest practical tradeoff is depth and reach versus intimacy and ease of access. Dartmouth’s economics program is larger, more visible, and more tightly connected to recruiting in finance, consulting, and policy, while Colgate offers a smaller department where undergraduates can often build closer day-to-day relationships with faculty and stand out more easily in class. For economics specifically, Dartmouth usually gives you more upper-level variety, more classmates seriously pursuing econ-related careers, and a stronger national signal with employers and grad programs.

Colgate is still a legitimate place to major in economics, especially if you want a classic liberal arts setting where professors know you well and undergraduates remain the clear priority. In many cases, that translates into strong classroom discussion, accessible faculty mentorship, and leadership opportunities that can be harder to get at a larger or more career-intense program.

For outcomes, Dartmouth has a clearer advantage if you think you may want investment banking, consulting, top graduate study, or highly competitive economics-adjacent internships. The alumni network, employer attention, and name recognition are especially useful in those lanes.

If your question is strictly which school is better for undergraduate economics, Dartmouth is the stronger option. Colgate becomes compelling only if you strongly prefer its smaller-campus feel and want the benefits of a more intimate liberal arts environment enough to give up some breadth, recruiting power, and departmental scale.