Is Auburn or Indiana better for economics for undergraduates?

For undergraduate economics, Indiana is usually the more compelling option if you want a larger, more established economics environment and broader name recognition for business-related opportunities. Auburn can still be a solid choice, but it tends to make more sense for a student who wants a somewhat more contained campus environment and is especially interested in the Southeast.

Indiana fits the student who wants scale and range. You are likely to find more course variety in economics, more peers seriously aiming for finance, consulting, policy, or grad school, and a campus culture where internships and pre-professional involvement are highly visible.

Auburn fits the student who values a strong traditional college experience and may prefer a somewhat less intense pre-professional atmosphere. If you want economics in a campus setting with a loyal alumni base, strong school spirit, and good regional ties, especially in the South, Auburn has real appeal. For some students, that environment can translate into better faculty access and an easier time standing out, especially if they are proactive.

On reputation specifically for economics, Indiana usually carries more weight nationally in this comparison. On opportunities, Indiana also has the edge because of the size of its economics community, the surrounding academic infrastructure, and the recruiting energy on campus. Auburn is not a bad option, but if your question is which school is stronger for economics in academics, opportunity breadth, and overall reputation, Indiana is the one I would lean toward.