I don’t think you’re going to go wrong with any of these choices. What are the plans for what to do with the economics degree? If someone wanted to get involved in national policy then GW seems like it would have the edge with all the opportunities in D.C. Interested in international economics, perhaps NYU or D.C. with potential involvement with the U.N., World Bank, or other opportunities. Economics and relating it to public health or disaster recovery? Then look at Tulane. Or maybe you want a big school with major sports and a traditional college experience? Mighigan, Wisconsin, or OSU all fit the bill. And the list goes on.
Does the student want to go to grad school or into the workforce after graduation? Where would they like to live afterwards? Colleges usually have the most recruiting from companies that are regional to them.
All that to say, any of these would work well.