<p>I graduated from Hamilton and took summer classes at Brandeis and have a sibling who attended Brandeis. I am biased toward Hamilton. Excellent academics, engaged faculty who prefer teaching to research, beautiful campus, etc, etc. Is it in upstate NY? Yes. Is it a great overall college experience? Yes. Do folks go on to big, impersonal urban universities for graduate school? Yes. The students are more well-rounded and happier at Hamilton.</p>