Very strong analysis @moosefan93 and better informed than many of the responses you received. To answer some of the open questions:
- Both have strong pipelines to Wall Street - hard to pick a winner here
- If grad school is your true aim, you may be better off at your state safety
- Both will well prepare you in a “pre-law” program - the courses you choose, rather than the school you choose between those two, will determine which is better
To add another factor, Lexington is better than Waterville for off-campus ventures and for your visitors. I haven’t been to Waterville in a couple of years so I haven’t been able to gauge the impact of the student housing there. And, while Waterville has a wonderful coffee shop, Lexington is hands down better for dining.
Colby has fewer distribution requirements, although not by much. The primary distinction between them is W&L requires competency in a world language occupying as much as 1 class in 4 semester.
Colby’s new athletic facility is phenomenal and tops W&L’s despite the fact that W&L’s athletic facility just opened after a two year full renovation.
Climate can be an important factor. Colby enjoys snow from October through April. Lexington’s weather is generally consistent with, and just slightly warmer than, eastern PA.
W&L is far better for hiking while Colby is far better for cross country skiing.
W&L has its non-drinkers. You’ll find a growing percentage of independents who, as the name implies, do their own thing. Most on campus can find a fraternity that makes them comfortable. One, for example, has many members of the Williams investment Society - perhaps a majority of the male members belong to one fraternity.
You have (more than) two very fine choices. If you were my child, I’d advise you choose based on where you believe you’ll fit in better. Good luck.