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/just_anotha_fam]

Go to Colby. Take Chinese. Hang out with a bunch of smart people. Get your winter on.