Lehigh vs Wake Forest for economics: which is better for undergrads?

For an undergraduate economics major, Wake Forest tends to make more sense for the student who wants a classic liberal arts style experience inside a university, with strong faculty access, small classes, and a lot of attention to communication, writing, and discussion. Lehigh often fits the student who wants economics in a more pre-professional, business-adjacent environment, with easier proximity to finance and industry connections in the Northeast. Both can prepare you well for jobs or grad school, but they often serve slightly different kinds of econ students.

Wake Forest is appealing if you want economics to feel academic but still practical. Its undergraduate focus is a real strength, and the school is known for close professor relationships and solid advising. For students considering research, policy, consulting, law, or a PhD path, that smaller classroom environment can be especially valuable because it is easier to build relationships for recommendations, thesis work, and research opportunities.

Lehigh is especially attractive if you see economics overlapping with business, analytics, finance, or corporate recruiting. The university has a more visibly pre-professional feel, and that can be helpful if you want internships during the school year or a clearer pipeline into private-sector roles. Its location gives somewhat better access to New York and Philadelphia networks than Wake Forest, which matters for some internships and alumni outreach.

For internship access, Lehigh has a geographic edge for students targeting Northeast finance, banking, and business roles. Wake Forest still places students well, but some internships may require more intentional networking or summer relocation.

For grad school preparation, I would lean Wake Forest for the student who wants tight mentorship and a more seminar-like academic experience. For immediate business-facing outcomes, I would lean Lehigh for the student who wants economics connected to industry and recruiting from early on.