Which school offers better internship opportunities, the University of Virginia or American University?

For internships during the academic year, American University has the clearer advantage because its Washington, D.C., location puts students near federal agencies, Congress, nonprofits, advocacy groups, media organizations, think tanks, and international institutions.

AU students can often commute to internships by Metro, making it realistic to work one or more days a week without relocating or taking a leave from campus. This is particularly valuable for interests such as public policy, politics, international relations, communications, public affairs, law, and nonprofit work.

The University of Virginia still offers strong internship support, especially through its extensive alumni network, career center, and programs tied to business, technology, research, health, and government. However, Charlottesville has a smaller local internship market than D.C. For many policy-oriented or national organizations, UVA students are more likely to pursue summer roles, remote work, opportunities in Richmond, or a Washington, D.C., semester/program rather than commuting to an internship weekly during a normal term.

UVA may offer more depth in certain academic and research settings, and it can be excellent for students who plan to use summers strategically. But for the specific goal of regular, in-person professional experience while enrolled in classes, AU’s location creates a meaningful practical edge.