BUDGETING FOR D.C.
An internship experience is most successful when you have done your research and know what to expect. Students should understand the costs associated with a D.C. internship and budget accordingly. Participating in an internship program is an investment in your future. It is important to plan for funding and managing your expenses while in Washington D.C.
How much you spend during your time in D.C. will vary depending on where you live, eat, and find entertainment, but living in Washington can be expensive, particularly during the summer. Estimate $6,000 for the summer, depending on the duration of your internship. This Budgeting Sheet can help determine your financial cost for the summer. You can use the cost information on this page, along with any other cost information you have and plug the numbers into the excel document and it will calculate your remaining estimated costs based on what’s needed and what you have available.
Housing:
$3,500 (based on cost for a singles dorm room at George Washington University)
Commuting:
$500 (assuming $5.00/workday for the metro)
Travel:
$300 (approximate cost of a round-trip train ticket) to $600 (approximate cost of round-trip plane ticket)
Clothing:
$250 (assuming students will need to buy a few items of business attire)
Food:
$600 (based on Census Bureau estimate of average weekly food costs)
Miscellaneous:
$500 (local tourism, entertainment, other living expenses)
Financial Assistance
Thanks to the support of NU alumni, financial assistance may be available to summer interns across the Nebraska campuses (UNL, UNK, UNO, UNMC) participating in the Enrichment Academy. For more information on how to apply, please contact Brian Hanson, senior research specialist at the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center, at bhanson16@unl.edu.