Is Tulane or the University of Maryland better for getting internships in Washington, DC?

For a student focused on political science, public policy, and recurring internships in Washington, DC, the University of Maryland is the more practical choice. College Park’s location makes it realistic to apply for part-time internships during the academic year with federal agencies, congressional offices, advocacy groups, think tanks, and nonprofits.

The biggest advantage is not simply being “near DC,” but being able to build experience over several semesters. A Maryland student can commute into the city for an internship, attend policy events, network with alumni and employers, and potentially continue with the same organization during the school year. That continuity can matter more than completing one summer internship.

Tulane can still work well for a student drawn to public service, especially those interested in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Gulf South, urban policy, disaster resilience, public health, or community-based work. Its New Orleans setting provides distinctive opportunities in local government and civic organizations, and students can certainly pursue DC internships during summers or through a planned semester away. But DC access will require more intentional scheduling, housing arrangements, and travel than it would at Maryland.

Choose Tulane only if its academic culture, New Orleans location, and particular public-interest opportunities are substantially more appealing to you than Maryland’s DC proximity. For someone whose central goal is to gain multiple Washington-based policy internships before graduation, Maryland offers the clearer day-to-day advantage.