George Washington University vs Boston University for political science: which is better for a student interested in politics and government?

George Washington University has the edge for political science for a student who is specifically interested in politics and government. Its biggest advantage is not just reputation but daily access to Washington, D.C., where federal agencies, Congress, think tanks, advocacy groups, nonprofits, embassies, and political media are all nearby. That makes internships during the school year much more realistic and often more integrated into student life than they would be at Boston University.

GW’s Elliott School and the broader D.C. ecosystem create a campus culture where policy talks, guest speakers, campaign work, and government-focused networking happen constantly. For a student who wants to be around classmates aiming for Capitol Hill, public policy, international affairs, or federal service, GW tends to feel more immersed in that world. Political science there is closely connected to real-time politics in a way few campuses can match.

Boston University is still a strong option, especially if you want a large research university with excellent academics and a broader traditional college environment in Boston. You can absolutely study political science seriously there, and Boston has its own political and civic opportunities through state government, nonprofits, and media. But BU is not as directly plugged into the center of national government, so it usually does not offer the same density of semester-time political internships or day-to-day exposure to federal policy work.

Another practical difference is how location shapes experience outside class. At GW, it is common for students to build schedules around internships, attend events with policymakers, and make contacts through proximity alone. That can matter a lot if your goal is to enter government, campaigns, public affairs, or policy right after college.

GW is the more connected place to be.