University of Virginia vs. University of Maryland: Which Is Better for Washington, DC Internships?

For recurring Washington, DC internships during the academic year, the University of Maryland has the practical advantage. College Park is close enough for students to commute to downtown DC, Capitol Hill, federal agencies, and nonprofit offices without relocating or missing large parts of the school week. Its College Park Metro station on the Green Line makes many DC destinations reachable by public transit, while UVA is in Charlottesville.

That location matters most for part-time internships, informational interviews, evening networking events, and opportunities that begin midsemester. A Maryland student can realistically hold an internship in DC while remaining active on campus.

UVA still has a substantial DC alumni presence, especially in government, law, consulting, policy, and public service, and its national reputation can open doors. UVA students can pursue DC internships over the summer or through structured Washington-based programs, but doing so often requires housing in DC or a temporary move away from Charlottesville. The gap is smaller for summer internships, when UVA students can relocate and draw on alumni connections just as effectively. But for maximizing the number of accessible DC opportunities throughout all four years, Maryland offers the more convenient setup.