Recommendations for an Economics Major in Kentucky?

Hi, I'm a junior really drawn to economics. I live in Kentucky and staying in-state is a preference. Can you guys suggest good colleges for econ in Kentucky? How tough are these colleges to get into?

Sure, Kentucky is home to several universities that offer robust programs in economics!

The University of Kentucky, for instance, is well-known for its Economics degree. The program provides a strong foundation in economic theories and quantitative skills. Moreover, the econ faculty at UK are quite accomplished and conduct research in a variety of topics. As for admission, it's moderately competitive. The Fall 2024 admitted class had an average high school GPA of 3.80 and an average ACT score of 26. Remember that these are average figures, so don't be discouraged if you fall slightly below.

Another university with a solid economics program is the University of Louisville. Not only does UofL provide a good grounding in economics, but it also encourages students to engage in practical experiences, like internships or research projects, which you might find beneficial. The UofL has a similar level of selectivity to the University of Kentucky; the Fall 2024 admitted class had an average GPA of 3.86 and an average ACT score of 26.

Centre College, a liberal arts college, is another school in Kentucky known for its strong Economics department. Compared to the previously mentioned institutions, Centre College has a more tight-knit and community-oriented environment due to its smaller size. Admission is a tad bit more competitive at Centre College compared to the other two. The middle 50% ACT scores for the class of 2024 were between 26-32.

In summary, these are all solid choices for studying economics. Applying early, maintaining a solid GPA, having a good SAT or ACT score, and having some economics-related extracurriculars would be helpful strategies to increase your chances of getting accepted into these programs. Each of these schools will offer a unique experience, so it's best to research each institution to learn more about the specific program offerings and to determine which school and program will be the best fit for you!