Tulane vs. George Washington University: Which is better for launching a political career?

For a student aiming at a career in federal government, national politics, advocacy, or policy, George Washington University offers the more direct launchpad. Its Washington, D.C., location makes internships during the academic year realistically accessible at congressional offices, executive-branch agencies, political organizations, think tanks, advocacy groups, and media outlets. That proximity also puts students in regular contact with working professionals and policy events rather than limiting those experiences to summers.

GW’s political science program is embedded in a city where government and politics are part of the surrounding professional ecosystem. Students can build a resume through repeated, semester-by-semester experiences, which matters in politics because internships often lead to references, future roles, and networks. The university’s connections across D.C. are especially useful for students interested in congressional staff work, campaigns, public affairs, international affairs, or policy research.

Tulane can be compelling for a student drawn to New Orleans, Louisiana politics, Gulf South policy, community organizing, public health policy, or local government. Its location can provide meaningful access to city and state-level issues, and New Orleans offers distinctive opportunities to study the intersection of politics, culture, disaster recovery, education, and inequality. Tulane’s smaller political environment may also make it easier to become visibly involved in local civic work.