Boston College vs George Washington University for a Career in Politics

For an undergraduate aiming at government work or an eventual campaign career, George Washington University offers the more direct political launchpad because it is embedded in Washington, D.C. Its location makes internships during the academic year at congressional offices, federal agencies, advocacy groups, think tanks, and campaign organizations far more practical. GW’s political science department, Elliott School of International Affairs, student political organizations, and frequent access to policy events create a strong day-to-day connection to national politics.

That proximity matters most for networking. Students can build relationships with staffers, alumni, and public-sector employers over several semesters rather than relying primarily on summer opportunities. For a student considering elected office, the chance to volunteer on local and national campaigns in D.C. and nearby Virginia or Maryland can also produce tangible early experience.

Boston College remains a credible choice, particularly for someone drawn to political theory, public service shaped by Jesuit values, or Massachusetts and New England politics. BC’s Political Science Department and the Clough Center for the Study of Constitutional Democracy offer serious academic preparation, while Boston provides access to state government, nonprofits, and policy institutions. Its smaller, more traditional campus environment may also appeal to a student who wants politics to be one part of a broader residential college experience.

The key distinction is that GW makes national political work unusually accessible during the school year, while BC provides a strong liberal-arts foundation with better access to regional and state-level political networks.