William & Mary vs. George Washington for politics: which is better for a student interested in political science and government?

The biggest practical tradeoff is campus environment versus direct proximity to government. William & Mary offers a more traditional college setting with a very established political science and government culture, while George Washington puts you in Washington, D.C., where internships, events, and policy organizations are woven into everyday student life. For a student who wants politics both in the classroom and constantly around them outside class, that location difference matters a lot.

William & Mary has a particularly strong reputation for government and political science, and it tends to attract students who are deeply interested in public service, law, policy, and history. Its government department is one of the school’s signature academic strengths, and the student culture around debate, public affairs, and civic involvement is real. If you want a campus where a lot of your peers are serious about politics in an academic, discussion-heavy way, William & Mary stands out.

George Washington’s biggest advantage is access. Being in D.C. means internships during the school year are much more realistic, and students can build connections with think tanks, congressional offices, nonprofits, campaigns, and federal agencies while still taking classes. That can be a major edge if you want hands-on exposure early and often, especially in practical politics or policy work.

The main thing to watch is that GW can feel more professionally oriented and city-dispersed, while William & Mary can feel more close-knit and intellectually centered. Some students thrive when politics is tied to a classic campus community; others want the energy of being surrounded by real-world government activity every week.