Is the University of New Hampshire or George Washington University better for DC internships?

The biggest practical tradeoff is proximity versus needing to plan around distance. George Washington puts you in Washington, DC during the school year, so internships with federal agencies, nonprofits, think tanks, media, and advocacy groups are much easier to do part time alongside classes. At the University of New Hampshire, DC internships are still possible, but they usually take more intentional planning through summers, a semester away, or specific programs rather than being part of everyday campus life.

For overall access, George Washington has the clear edge. Its location in Foggy Bottom means students can commute quickly to internships, attend employer events in the city, and build networks continuously during the academic year. That matters because a lot of DC experience comes from stacking opportunities, starting with a smaller role and turning it into stronger contacts and later internships.

UNH is not shut out of DC, but the path is less direct. You would likely rely more on career services, alumni outreach, and structured opportunities away from campus instead of casually applying to roles nearby and interviewing in person during the semester. If your goal is specifically Washington-based experience, that extra friction is real.

George Washington is the better choice for DC internships overall because access is built into the school’s location and student experience, not something you have to create from a distance.