Which is better for government careers: Arizona State University or American University?

American University is the better pick for government careers. Its biggest advantage is location: being in Washington, DC makes internships during the school year much more realistic, and that matters a lot for government hiring because experience and connections often build step by step.

The internship piece is where AU pulls ahead most clearly. At American, students can more easily intern part time on the Hill, in federal offices, at advocacy groups, embassies, or policy organizations without having to wait for a summer or move across the country. That kind of repeated, in-semester experience often leads to stronger references and a more consistent network than a school farther from the federal ecosystem.

Networking also looks different at AU because alumni, guest speakers, and adjunct professors are often actively working in government or policy jobs nearby. That means classes can connect more directly to current practice, and informational interviews or coffee chats are easier to set up because people are local. For a student who wants to test different corners of public service, that density of access is hard to match.

Arizona State is still a solid option, especially if you are interested in state and local government, public policy in the Southwest, or a broader big-university experience with lots of resources. ASU has strong programs, a large alumni base, and plenty of opportunities, but for federal government pathways in particular, American has the more immediate built-in advantage.