Washington University in St. Louis vs. Columbia: Which offers better access to urban internships?

For academic-year access to urban public-policy and nonprofit internships, Columbia has the clearer advantage. Its New York City location puts students near city government, advocacy organizations, foundations, think tanks, international NGOs, media outlets, and policy-focused legal organizations, many reachable by subway. Columbia students can realistically build internships into a semester schedule without relocating or relying on a summer-only search.

Columbia suits a student who wants the city itself to function as an extension of campus and is prepared to pursue opportunities independently in a fast-moving, competitive environment. Part-time roles during the fall or spring are particularly attainable because employers can expect students to commute regularly.

Washington University is a strong fit for someone interested in more community-rooted work and potentially closer relationships within the St. Louis civic sector. St. Louis has substantial nonprofit, public-health, education, legal-aid, and local-government opportunities. Students can gain meaningful experience there, especially in issues affecting the region, but the internship market is smaller and campus is less seamlessly integrated into downtown professional hubs than Columbia is into New York.