Arizona vs George Washington for political science: which is better for undergrads?

The biggest practical tradeoff is Washington access versus campus value. George Washington gives undergrads day-to-day proximity to federal agencies, nonprofits, think tanks, campaigns, and Capitol Hill, which matters a lot in political science because internships often become the real bridge into government work. Arizona offers a solid political science education too, but its biggest advantages are usually the broader traditional campus experience and, for many students, lower overall cost.

For undergraduate political science specifically, GW has the clearer edge if your goal is politics, policy, public affairs, or government-adjacent work. Being in D.C. is not just a location perk there; it shapes the academic experience. Students can intern during the semester without having to pause school.

Arizona is not weak in political science, and it can be a very good choice if you want a large public university with more of a classic college environment. You can still get strong faculty access, research opportunities, and preparation for law school or public service. The gap is less about classroom quality alone and more about how naturally GW connects coursework to real-world political institutions.

If you are deciding on overall undergraduate experience, GW is stronger for students who want politics to feel immediate and professional from the start. Arizona can be the smarter pick when affordability, school spirit, and a more traditional residential college life matter a lot. Between the two, I would lean George Washington for political science undergrad, especially for students who expect internships and networking to be central to their college years.