Which is better for securing internships in Washington, DC: Clemson University or the University of Maryland?

For a student targeting government and public-policy internships in Washington, DC, the University of Maryland is the clearer choice. Its College Park campus sits just outside DC, with Metro access nearby, making part-time internships at federal agencies, congressional offices, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and think tanks realistic during the academic year.

That proximity lets students intern during fall or spring, attend evening policy events, conduct informational interviews, and return to the same employer for another term. UMD also provides access to a large alumni and employer network across Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia, where much of the federal-policy workforce is concentrated.

Clemson can still lead to DC opportunities, particularly through structured away programs and summer internships. But its main campus is in South Carolina, so most DC experience will require a summer move or a dedicated semester away rather than fitting an internship alongside regular classes. For building sustained, year-round DC connections before graduation, Maryland provides more direct access.