WHich is better?
They are peer institutions. Pick whichever you prefer, whichever is more affordable…
Which is better for what ?
For fine arts fields such as music and theatre I’d recommend Skidmore. For most other disciplines these colleges can be regarded as academically comparable.
Skidmore is located just North of Saratoga Springs, a beautiful small town that punches well above its weight. Having lived close to Carlisle for several years, and now having a Sophomore daughter currently attending Skidmore, I can say with certainty that Saratoga Springs is infinitely more desirable than Carlisle.
Our daughter absolutely loves everything about Skidmore, and we absolutely love how much she has grown in the past year and a half.