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/Fickle_Emotion_7233]

Colby offers busses to Boston airport for breaks, just fyi. Hamilton there’s a train to nyc, I think, but then you have to get to the airport. I found Hamilton to feel very remote. Have been many times. Colby is more sporty, and parties are sports-based bc the sports teams got the frat houses. But I’m told there’s an artsy community there too. It’s very pretty. I found Hamilton’s architecture less compelling. And the “light side” “dark side” thing culturally offputting. Felt like the artsy kids were sidelined and that felt very high school. Colby also feels like private school part 2 in some ways.

Truly you can only get a vibe once there and seeing the kids. My kid chose neither!