Is Georgetown or American University better for starting a career in Washington, DC?

Georgetown provides a meaningful edge for launching a DC career when all else is equal, especially for nationally competitive policy, political, consulting, and government roles. American University is deeply connected to Washington work and can be just as practical a platform for students who actively pursue internships.

The biggest differentiator is network reach and perceived selectivity, where Georgetown tends to open more doors at the outset. For nonprofit work, however, relevant experience, strong writing and research skills, and supervisors who will recommend you matter more than the school name after the first job. Cost also deserves serious weight: a large price difference can be especially consequential in nonprofit and public-service careers, where entry-level salaries may be modest. A student who thrives at AU, interns consistently, and graduates with less debt can be positioned better than a Georgetown student who does not use the city’s opportunities.