Which is better for finding DC internships: Tufts or George Washington University?

George Washington University makes DC internships easier to get during the school year because you are already in the city, close to federal agencies, think tanks, advocacy groups, embassies, and nonprofits. That proximity matters a lot for part-time internships, networking events, and informational interviews that happen on weekdays. GW also builds Washington into the student experience more directly, with many students interning while taking classes.

Location is the biggest practical difference. At GW, it is much simpler to work on Capitol Hill, at a policy shop, or with a nonprofit without needing a summer-only plan. Being able to commute quickly to an office, attend evening panels, and meet alumni in person can make the search feel much more continuous and less dependent on school breaks.

Tufts can absolutely lead to strong DC opportunities, especially through its alumni network, international relations reputation, and connections through the Tisch College of Civic Life and the Fletcher community. But for most students, those opportunities are more likely to cluster in summers, semester programs, or more intentional outreach, rather than being woven into everyday campus life. You may need to work harder to turn interest in DC into regular in-person experience while you are based near Boston.

For government, policy, and nonprofit internships specifically, GW tends to offer the smoother path because access is immediate and repeated. Tufts still has excellent outcomes, but its advantage is more in academic strength and broader network value than in day-to-day DC access. If your priority is maximizing the ease and frequency of Washington internships while in college, GW has the clearer edge.