Which school is better for securing political internships: NYU or American University?

American University is the stronger choice for securing political internships during the academic year. Its Washington, D.C., location puts students close to Congress, federal agencies, think tanks, advocacy groups, campaign organizations, and policy-focused nonprofits. Its School of Public Affairs is particularly oriented toward public service, government, political communication, and policy work, with D.C.-based networking embedded in many students’ routines.

An AU student can realistically intern part-time on Capitol Hill, at a federal department, or with a policy organization while taking classes, attend evening events with practitioners, and keep that role through multiple semesters.

NYU offers strong opportunities, especially in New York City government, local and state politics, media, public-interest law, labor, international organizations, and advocacy. New York is an excellent place to explore urban policy and political organizing, and NYU’s name and alumni network can open doors. But federal government and national-policy internships are less convenient during the regular semester because Washington is the center of those opportunities.

For the specific goal of building a sustained résumé in government, campaigns, or national policy before graduation, AU’s location and internship-centered ecosystem create a more direct path. NYU makes more sense when your political interests lean distinctly toward New York City issues, media, or the intersection of politics with the city’s nonprofit and international sectors.