<p>University of Chicago boasts the best Econ department in the country.</p>
<p>Frankly, the overall student body on average is more intelligent at U Chicago than and Columbia (this, however, can be a good thing or a bad thing.)</p>
<p>Columbia is more popular, because it’s ivy league. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that the motto of U Chicago is “Where fun comes to die.” (not the official motto of course.)</p>