University of Minnesota vs. Brandeis for economics: which is better for an undergraduate econ major?

Brandeis has the edge for an undergraduate economics major if your priority is close faculty access, smaller classes, and a more intentionally undergraduate-focused academic experience. Its economics department is well regarded, the school has a strong social science culture, and undergrads are more likely to get direct interaction with professors rather than feeling like they are learning alongside a large graduate population. For economics specifically, that matters because so much of the value comes from discussion, research access, and strong recommendation letters.

Classroom experience is one of the clearest differences. At Brandeis, you are more likely to have seminar-style upper-level courses and easier access to office hours, advising, and research opportunities with economics faculty. That can make a real difference if you may want grad school, honors research, or internships where professor connections and personalized support help.

The University of Minnesota’s big advantage is scale. Its economics department is larger, there are more course options in some subfields, and the university has the resources of a major public research institution. If you are very self-directed, that can be a plus. But for many undergrads, especially in a field like economics, a large department can also mean more variable advising and less individualized attention.

For internships and jobs, Brandeis benefits from being near Boston and from having a strong reputation in analytical, policy, and finance-adjacent circles in the Northeast. Minnesota can absolutely place students well too, especially in the Twin Cities, where the local economy is strong and there are solid business and government opportunities.

Unless Minnesota is significantly cheaper, I would lean Brandeis for economics.