Which is better for DC internships: American University or Fordham University?

Question

I’m trying to figure out which school would give me better access to internships in Washington, DC. I know both are in major cities, but American seems closer to politics and government work while Fordham is in New York.

I’m mainly looking at how helpful the location and campus connections are for getting internships in DC as a college student.

I’m mainly looking at how helpful the location and campus connections are for getting internships in DC as a college student.

Accepted Answer

American University is the better choice for DC internships. It is actually in Washington, DC, and its campus culture is built around politics, policy, international affairs, journalism, and public service.

The biggest differentiator is proximity during the school year. At American, students regularly intern part-time in DC while taking classes because commuting to downtown offices is realistic. That matters a lot for government and policy work, where many internships happen during fall and spring rather than only in the summer.

Another advantage is the academic structure around those opportunities. American has schools and programs, especially in public affairs and international service, that are closely tied to Washington-based employers.

Fordham can absolutely lead to DC internships, especially through alumni networking, summer opportunities, and fields like communications, business, or legal-adjacent work. But because Fordham is based in New York, a DC internship usually takes more planning and is less likely to be something you do casually alongside classes. For someone specifically prioritizing access to Washington internships as an undergraduate, American has the clearer edge.

Which is better for DC internships: American University or Fordham University?

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