ShoQs, established in 2025, are short-form economics media created by UW-Madison students designed to showcase contributing writers’ creativity and communication skills. ShoQs take the form of concise collaborative articles and short videos that break down economic ideas, research, and real-world applications in an accessible way. These pieces are meant to help fellow Badgers engage with economic topics that shape student life and everyday decision-making, without requiring a technical background.
We’ll be featuring one ShoQ each week, starting Monday, February 16th. Keep an eye out for these pieces as a snapshot of the diverse interests and voices within the UW–Madison economics community.
With questions, reach out to equilibriumecon@gmail.com.
The Rising Opportunity Cost of College
By Shubhi Sancheti
"Is college still the safest educational investment? Or is the opportunity cost higher than ever? As tuition rises, labor markets shift, and alternative credentials gain ground, students are facing sharper tradeoffs than previous generations. The real question isn’t whether college has value; it’s who it pays off for, and under what conditions."
Effects of Mass Deportation on U.S.-Born Workers
By Justin Yan
"Many assume that deporting undocumented immigrants would increase wages and boost jobs for U.S.-born workers, but the evidence points in the opposite direction. This piece explores the results of Secure Communities, a recent mass deportation effort, and examines what it means for the policies of today."
GENIUS Act: An Approach to the U.S. Fiscal Deficit
By Junius Lee
"Can the crypto market save the U.S. government from its debt crisis? The GENIUS Act proposes a bold shift by requiring stablecoins to be backed by U.S. Treasury securities, turning digital assets into a lifeline for the federal deficit. However, as traditional buyers pull back, this strategy raises a question: is the volatile world of crypto a reliable foundation for the national economy?"
Death Taxes: Is Raising the Exemption Bar Bad?
By Taehun Kim
"The federal estate tax exemption has climbed to $14.5 million per individual, reigniting debate over fairness and fiscal responsibility. This piece assesses whether concerns over revenue loss and inequality withstand empirical scrutiny—and whether raising the bar might have broader economic implications than critics anticipate."