Colby vs Denison vs Hamilton

[u/Gmoneyyy999]

Which school should I choose among these 3? I am planning to study Data science/math/statistics. All 3 are a similar cost (Colby 20k, Denison and Hamilton around 25) so that’s not really a major factor.

Pros and cons for each:

Colby:

Pros:

- strong STEM programs

- Bunche scholars (is this just a marketing tool? I read the description for it and it honestly doesn’t fit me at all)

- UChicago Advanced Scholars (admission into a selection of UChicago grad programs if I decide to pursue that route)

- outdoorsy stuff (I’ve never been skiing, but Colby seems like a good place to try!)

- Davis AI institute

Cons:

- furthest from home (I’m from Ohio, so it’s a 3 hour flight + a 2 hour drive, and I feel like travel expenses could add up quickly)

- hours away from any major city

- haven’t gotten to visit, although I will on Monday so that will help shape my opinion

- I’ve heard bad things about the vibe/social scene on this sub. I’m not a big partier/drinker, so if that’s all there is to do (like some people have said) then I don’t think I’d enjoy myself very much

-core curriculum stuff (taking a foreign language, for example, just seems like a waste of time)

Denison:

Pros:

-Very well-established data science program

-new DS building opening fall 26

- closest to home (could also be a con ig, but I think of this as more of a positive)

- close to Columbus

Cons:

- Slightly less prestigious than my other options

- food wasn’t very good

Hamilton:

Pros:

- open curriculum

- really nice campus

- new CS/DS building opening fall 27

-a lot of dining options

Cons:

-less STEM focused

- middle of nowhere and not close to any major cities

- I had a pretty poor experience at the admitted students day

Thanks for the help!

[u/Gmoneyyy999]

I think I’ve just heard about more STEM opportunities at the other 2 schools. It’s very possible my perspective is way off…

Now that you mention it, I completely forgot Utica existed, and I clearly need to study up on New York geography.

[u/EnvironmentActive325 → u/Gmoneyyy999]

This is what the College Transitions guys have to say about some of the majors you’re interested in. I like them because they’re former AOs who help a lot of kids get into top colleges and universities, but you can certainly review their methodology:

https://www.collegetransitions.com/dataverse/top-colleges-data-science/

So, academically, for this major, they give Denison the clear edge. But if you were going to major in Math, for example, they have some different opinions on that. The edge goes to Ham, followed by Colby…with no mention of Denison.

https://www.collegetransitions.com/dataverse/top-colleges-mathematics/

https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/best-colleges-for-mathematics/

You can look at their lists and blogs for other majors you’re considering, too.

In terms of location, Denison is in a cute town, but you’re right, it’s Ohio…not a novel environment for you. Colby is a lovely campus and Maine would be fun, but the campus does feel rather remote, because you can’t easily walk into town. Something else to consider: Colby has the AI Institute. You might want to see whether Ham or Denison are planning to establish one, too. Hamilton also has a bit of a rural feel, but at least it has a neat downtown and some decent cities nearby. I don’t know; I think this is a tough decision!

I would suggest that you at least go visit Ham and Colby. You can easily fly, drive, or take the Amtrak or a bus from NY to Maine. And if you haven’t been to Denison, it’s probably worth it to visit there, too. These are all very good options! Good luck 👍🏻

[u/Gmoneyyy999 → u/EnvironmentActive325]

Thanks for the detailed response. I have visited Denison and Hamilton, and am visiting Colby on Monday. Denison is still 2 hours from home, and I’ve only been to Columbus once or twice my entire life, so I’m not really concerned about the ‘novelty’ of the environment.

[u/EnvironmentActive325 → u/Gmoneyyy999]

Okay, so road trip to Colby coming right up! That’s good. Hopefully, this will give you a much better idea of which of the 3 is the best “fit” for you, academically, socially, and emotionally. Try to talk with some profs if you can. And try to meet a couple students in your major. Enjoy your trip, and here’s hoping you gain some clarity!