Which offers better access to Washington, DC internships: the University of Miami or the University of Maryland?

The University of Maryland offers substantially more direct access to Washington, DC internships for students interested in policy and government. Its College Park campus is just outside DC, with Metro access through the College Park–University of Maryland station, making it realistic to commute to congressional offices, federal agencies, think tanks, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations during a semester.

Maryland’s location also makes part-time, in-person internships far more practical. A student can build a DC résumé while taking regular classes, attend evening networking events or policy panels, and pursue opportunities on shorter notice without needing to arrange housing in another city. The university’s proximity to federal employers and its large alumni presence in the region reinforce those advantages.

The University of Miami can still lead to strong DC opportunities, particularly through summer internships, alumni connections, and any Washington-based academic programs or trips a student chooses to pursue. But Miami’s Coral Gables location means most DC internships would require a summer relocation or a dedicated semester away, rather than a manageable commute.