Is UC Davis or Pomona better for economics?

Pomona has the stronger overall reputation for undergraduate economics. Its economics department is one of the better-known programs among liberal arts colleges, and the small class sizes, close faculty access, and strong placement into grad school, consulting, finance, and research roles give it a real edge if you want an academically prominent undergrad experience.

The biggest difference is the undergraduate focus. At Pomona, economics students are taught in a setting built almost entirely around undergrads, with professors rather than graduate students leading classes and advising. Because Pomona is part of the Claremont Colleges, you also get access to courses and resources across multiple campuses, which broadens the economics curriculum beyond what a single small college could usually offer.

UC Davis is still a very solid choice, especially if you want the scale and breadth of a major public research university. Its economics program is well respected, and Davis offers more sheer volume in courses, research activity, and related departments like agricultural and resource economics, statistics, and public policy. That can be especially attractive if your interests lean toward applied economics, data-heavy work, or public-sector issues.