The only Catholic school on this list, Ave Maria brings its religious identity to bear on all its courses of study. As such, this top college for an economics degree teaches economics with a focus on how it relates to the human experience. Classes like The Study of Family and Society attempt to understand these phenomena through the lens of economics, and all econ majors must study Catholic social thought. Students can put theory into practice at the Stein Center for Social Research, an interdisciplinary institute that addresses social issues like poverty and religious trends. Finally, Ave Maria provides no shortage of opportunities to participate in internships, many of which are closely tied to the Catholic tradition.

Net Price: $18,800/yr

Colorado College's unique block plan will immerse you in just one class at a time, for three and a half weeks each. It's an intense experience based in small group discussion and personal interactions with professors. This learning model also provides flexibility, and it is not uncommon for departments to organize daylong or even week-long field trips. And as a top small college for economics majors, CC makes sure that program members receive a thorough education. In addition to a general concentration, you have your choice of emphases in Mathematical Economics or International Political Economy (which you can easily pair with a study abroad program) - all three of which culminate in a thesis during senior year.

Net Price: $21,027/yr

Hillsdale stands out on this top college economics programs ranking in a few ways. First, the school requires all students to complete a core curriculum (which includes reading the same books) during their freshman and sophomore years. For econ majors, the next step includes a firm introduction to the free-market perspective, and coursework relies heavily on works by the Austrian school. And as with all true liberal arts schools, Hillsdale sponsors an approach to learning that emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary themes. As an econ major, this means you can expect to wrestle with real-life problems and consider big-picture outcomes in many of your classes - all while enjoying the strong support of your peers and professors, of course!

Net Price: $21,201/yr

Established in 1793, Williams provides a liberal arts education in the Berkshires, just about halfway between Boston and New York City. The school cites economics as one of its most popular majors, and it's easy to see why: Williams punches above its weight in terms of research opportunities. Participants in this affordable small college economics program benefit from professors who consistently publish high-quality papers, and the school is an organizing member of a regional development economics forum. Econ majors can choose from unique courses like Water as a Scarce Resource, Gender Economics, and The Economics of Higher Education. If you're looking for a small-college experience with the resources of a larger research university, Williams could be a great fit.

Net Price: $21,546/yr

Colgate is one of the few schools on this college economics programs ranking to offer a major in environmental economics. Participants take courses in both economics and environmental studies and put the two together as they analyze environmental issues through economic principles. The interdisciplinary approach is what helps make this such a strong program, and graduates have gone on to pursue careers in both traditional economics fields and sustainability-focused areas. But students in both disciplines benefit equally from the university's economics seminar series, which brings speakers to campus a few times a month. You'll also enjoy access to the prestigious London Economics Study Group, an off-campus program that Colgate initiated in 1962.

Net Price: $21,741/yr

Bowdoin earns its spot as one of the best small economics schools for many reasons - and though we may not have considered its 9:1 student-teacher ratio or well-educated faculty in this ranking, they certainly don't hurt Bowdoin's reputation! Economics courses in particular never exceed 40 students, which means that you'll have ample opportunities to work closely with professors. Econ majors can opt for the traditional economics program or earn a joint mathematics-economics degree, the latter of which provides valuable preparation for graduate study. And if you're interested in pursuing a career in banking, you might select a minor in economics and finance.

Net Price: $23,156/yr

If the idea of studying economics through the lens of technology appeals to you, take a look at the Illinois Institute of Technology. The Bachelor of Science in Social and Economic Development Policy combines a focus on promoting global change with access to the school's scientists and engineers — the folks who often play a part in global development. Participants in this top small college economics program must specialize in either emerging economies or advanced economies as they explore the financial ramifications of globalization. Your degree wraps up with the Interprofessional Project, an opportunity to solve a real-world problem with classmates from other disciplines. Projects typically fall into one of three categories: service, sustainability, or entrepreneurship.

Net Price: $23,371/yr

This affordable college for an economics degree is located just north of Dallas, giving its econ majors easy access to a large city for research or internships. And Austin College encourages undergrads to pursue these opportunities by offering the Individual Study Off-Campus program, through which econ majors design an internship that meets their interests. The college even sets aside an entire month - known as January Term - for students to complete their work experiences. Those who have not arranged internships can spend the month conducting independent research or participating in another hands-on project. Either way, you'll benefit from this unique chance to take a deep-dive into the major without devoting a full semester to an off-campus program.

Net Price: $23,690/yr

Aspiring urbanites, take note: Barnard provides all the advantages of a top small economics school right in the middle of New York City. This women's college offers four economics majors, including the unique degree in economics and social history. The program includes courses in a broad range of topics and ultimately seeks to contextualize historical changes and movements within their economic and social settings. Fittingly, students in this program must complete quite a few history electives, through which they can focus their studies on a particular geographical region. All economics degrees wrap up with a senior thesis or research project, and students have access to nearby Columbia University thanks to a partnership between the two institutions.

Net Price: $23,741/yr

For nearly 200 years, Lafayette College has been proud to foster intellectual freedom and growth in its student body. In that spirit, its economics department encourages undergrads to work with their advisors to create a customized course of study. Thanks to this option, Lafayette is a great small college for economics majors who could benefit from an interdisciplinary education (and/or have career plans in a nontraditional field). It's also a solid choice if you're interested in academic-related extracurricular activities. Econ majors can participate in team-driven problem-solving efforts, join the economics honor society, or even manage a stock portfolio with the student-led investment club.

Net Price: $24,993/yr