<p>So what you’ve got here are almost two ends of the spectrum. On the one hand two “bubble” situations, much more intimate situations, but offering limited places to go, a limited set of courses, etc. At least these are large for LACs, that helps a bit. But still, no consortium, no easy access to somplace good besides the campus. And on the other hand, one of the most amorphous situations around, with no intimacy whatsoever, no campus, all of NYC , however this is best enjoyed if one has $$, as D2 found the hard way.</p>
<p>Despite the differences these are all attractive places for a certain type of student; NYC-oriented hipsters to name but one contingent. But such person should be able to “pick one’s poison” from among the assets and liabilities of each situation which are nearly opposite.</p>
<p>Myself, I would be looking for a third, and intermediate alternative. My son, on the op=ther hand, liked Vassar a lot. Does not want “no campus” and does not want to be so far from home, that cuts out the other two.</p>