If you are considering a PhD, programs are more alike than different. If you are interested in a particular area of economics, make sure that the departments you apply to have good offerings in that area. As a start, look at the department web sites and see what kind of research the faculty is involved in. CSU faculty will also often have knowledge about specific programs. You should know though that many students change their area of interest after starting they’re graduate study.
Master’s programs are more different from one another. Some are heavily quantitative. Others are less so, although all economics programs are more quantitative than not. Some specialize in preparing students for professional careers, often with focus in particular areas. A few specialize in preparing students to go on to the PhD, although it is wise to check how many students actually do go on to the PhD.
A good thing to do with all programs is to look at where their graduates place and ask yourself if you would be happy graduating and getting a job that is a typical placement from that program. This is fairly easy with PhD programs, as almost all post job placements for all their graduates. Not all master’s programs post complete records.
And finally, when you have been admitted and reach the stage of choosing between programs, talk to a current student or two. Are they satisfied with the program? Would they choose the same path again?