@shoboemom, as an AU grad from the 1980s, I have refrained from commenting, as I doubt my experience and perceptions of the university would still be relevant. I will note one specific item, however: while I was there, in the summertime the dorms were filled with college students from around the country doing DC internships.
Thank you @rrobb. We did decide to go with the much more affordable state school. art of the thinking was that if internships or other opportunities (trips, tc) present themselves, we’ll be in a better position to make it happen for her. Perhaps after a year or so at the state U she will be able to head that way. I know she’d love to intern in DC.