Why University of Mary Washington Is Among The Best Schools For Internships
Ask a college student what they hope to get out of college, and you’ll likely hear them say a good job.
That’s the goal, but many students arrive on campus with a vague idea of which direction they want to go in. Some change majors halfway through college. Others happen upon careers they never knew existed, and switch directions. In a job market that’s evolving faster than ever, figuring out which path is the right one for you can be incredibly challenging.
That’s why opportunities to explore different industries before graduation can be so valuable. An internship might reveal a dream career. It might also show a student what they don’t want to do. Either way, that’s useful information to have before accepting a first full-time job.
UP 13 PLACES THIS YEAR
The University of Mary Washington has built a reputation for giving students those opportunities early on, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. In The Princeton Review‘s Best Value Colleges for 2027, UMW ranked No. 1 in Virginia for internships. The university also placed among the top five public universities nationwide for both internships and making an impact, shared on the school’s site in a report by Sarah Hertz Mahoney.
This year, UMW jumped an incredible 13 spots in the Princeton Review’s internship rankings, moving from No. 18 in 2025 to No. 5 nationally among public schools. The school also climbed seven places for making an impact, reaching No. 4.
What’s especially interesting about the Princeton Review’s rankings is how the rankings are calculated. Rather than solely relying on a school’s reported data, they ask students about their experience and weaves their responses into the ranking calculations. They ask students questions such as: How accessible are internships at your school? Is your school giving you opportunities to get involved in your community? Do you feel like your education is preparing you for life after graduation?
The rankings are then measured partially by using the information that students are actually experiencing.
LEARNING BY DOING
At UMW, students have a ton of opportunities to apply what they’re learning in internships, research, community projects, and study abroad opportunities.
This hands-on approach is intentional, and it’s preparing them for a workforce where employers increasingly want graduates who can solve problems, collaborate with others, and adapt to new situations.
“Mary Washington’s value comes from the combination of an outstanding education and the opportunities our students have to put that education into practice,” said UMW President Troy Paino. “Our students are known, supported and challenged here, while gaining access to experiences that prepare them to contribute in meaningful ways in their professions and communities.”
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