14 Paid Government Internships for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- 23 minutes ago
- 11 min read
If you’re a college student exploring internships, working for the government can be one of the smartest choices you make. A paid government internship gives you the chance to build professional skills, gain industry exposure, and meet people who can influence your future, all while earning money. Government internships often carry a certain prestige that stands out on a resume, and the rigor of professional experience you receive can help you understand what full‑time government work is really like. You gain invaluable industry exposure by working on meaningful projects and learning the intricacies of government operations, which significantly enhances your career readiness and confidence. These roles also offer opportunities to network with professionals across policy, science, administration, and more.
To help with your search, below is a curated list of 14 paid government internships for college students.
If you are looking for paid online internships, check out our blog here.
14 Paid Government Internships for College Students
Location: Various USPS locations nationwide
Stipend: Paid a competitive hourly wage; exact amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 40 – 50 students
Dates: Mid-May – Late July (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: November 3
Eligibility: College juniors, seniors, and master’s students currently enrolled at an accredited university with at least 48 credit hours completed in fields such as engineering, HR, accounting/finance, supply chain, sales/marketing, IT, and related disciplines; Veterans can also apply
In this 10-week program, you’ll join a cohort of interns from colleges around the country to work on real-world projects that align with your major and professional goals. You'll collaborate on cross-functional assignments and engage with senior-level USPS managers, gaining insight into large-scale logistics, public operations, and national service delivery. The experience emphasizes mentorship, team-building, and professional networking while supporting innovation within USPS. If you're considering a federal career in operations, business, or tech, this internship offers a strong starting point with a focus on public-sector service.
Location: Various federal agencies across the United States
Stipend: Paid; wages vary by agency and position level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by agency and position
Dates: Varies by agency and specific internship posting
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies per job announcement on USAJOBS.gov
Eligibility: Current students who are U.S. citizens and enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying educational institution (high school, college, trade/vocational school, or graduate program) pursuing a degree or certificate
The Pathways Internship Program offers paid opportunities to work in federal agencies while you're still in school, giving you a clearer picture of careers in public service. Depending on your placement, you might assist with administrative support, research, data entry, technical projects, or public engagement. Internships are available in policy, law, IT, and environmental science, and may lead to full-time employment after graduation. You’ll also receive mentorship and formal development as part of the experience. These internships are widely used across agencies like the Social Security Administration, Department of Education, and many others, and are posted through USAJOBS.
Location: One of 17 DOE National Laboratories across the U.S.
Stipend: $650 per week + Housing Allowance up to $250 per week + Travel Reimbursement Up to $500 for one round-trip domestic travel reimbursement if your permanent address is more than 50 miles from the host laboratory
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, large cohorts across all labs
Dates: Three times a year: Summer Term: 10 weeks (typically runs from June to August). Fall/Spring Terms: 16 weeks (runs during academic semesters)
Application Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) | Must be 18 years or older by the start of the internship | Must be a currently enrolled full-time undergraduate student at an accredited institution (2- or 4-year) | Must have completed at least one semester, and have completed a minimum of 6 credit hours in STEM fields and 12 total undergraduate credit hours | Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
The Department of Energy (DOE) Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) is a prestigious, paid program offering college students a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge scientific research at one of the 17 DOE National Laboratories. You spend 10 to 16 weeks actively collaborating with a DOE scientist, which involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing complex data sets, and contributing to research findings. The program's unique feature is its access to world-class facilities and specialized equipment unavailable in academia. You learn practical, transferable skills such as advanced scientific methodology, technical writing, and effective scientific communication.
Location: U.S. International Trade Commission, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid; rates vary by position and level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Vary; interns may be hired for part-time or full-time roles on a temporary or indefinite basis
Application Deadline: Rolling; based on individual listings posted on USAJOBS.gov
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens and currently enrolled in a qualifying high school, college, university, trade school, technical, or graduate program
This internship offers students paid experience in federal service while exploring careers in international trade, economics, law, or administration. You'll be assigned work related to your academic field, ranging from policy research and data analysis to administrative tasks, depending on your background and interests. The Commission uses the federal Pathways framework, meaning you could be eligible for a permanent civil service role upon successful completion. You'll sign a participant agreement detailing your responsibilities and developmental goals. Although each position varies, all provide professional exposure within a regulatory agency that handles trade investigations and policy recommendations for Congress and the President.
Location: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $1,000/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; likely very small cohort sizes
Dates: June 9 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: Undergraduates or recent graduates enrolled in an engineering-related major; completion of at least one fire protection engineering course is required
This 10-week, full-time internship gives you direct experience in life safety and fire protection engineering within a major federal institution. You'll work with the Office of Safety, Health & Environmental Management to conduct site assessments, review fire system designs, and assist with inspections. The internship covers diverse environments like laboratories, museums, and storage facilities, providing practical exposure to codes such as NFPA and ICC. In addition to design reviews and construction oversight, you'll gain familiarity with fire system acceptance testing and field evaluations. The position is in-person and emphasizes strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills.
Location: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $650/week + $3,200 housing allowance; total pay of $8,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must be enrolled undergraduates (rising first-year through rising senior)
This eight-week, full-time internship places you within the Smithsonian's central education office, where you’ll gain hands-on experience with education strategy, outreach, and national program development. You’ll contribute to projects like the Smithsonian National Education Summit, support communication efforts, and write content under the guidance of experienced mentors. The program is designed to promote diversity in education and museum leadership, and includes access to a large community of Smithsonian educators. Through meetings, mentorship, and project work, you'll build communication, research, and public engagement skills in a professional setting. A background investigation and fingerprinting are required before starting.
Location: NRC Headquarters in Rockville, MD; regional offices in King of Prussia, PA; Atlanta, GA; Naperville, IL; and Arlington, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid and varies by location, GPA, academic level, and credit hours completed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small to moderate cohort sizes
Dates: May – August; up to 89 days
Application Deadline: Typically September – October via USAJOBS.gov
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program at an accredited institution; minimum 2.85 GPA
This summer program gives you a chance to work as a Student Trainee within one of the NRC’s regional or headquarters offices. You'll support projects related to engineering, science, IT, or administration under the guidance of agency professionals. Depending on your academic background, tasks may include research assistance, technical support, report preparation, and project collaboration. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, mentoring, and professional growth within the context of nuclear regulation and public safety. While relocation costs are not covered, some interns may receive assistance for transportation and lodging depending on individual circumstances.
Location: Federal and state agencies; some roles may be remote or hybrid
Stipend: At least $5,000 for full-time summer internships (minimum 32 hours/week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size is determined by the hiring needs and budget of the participating government agencies each year
Dates: Starts between May 26 – June 15 and ends between July 31 – September 4 (10 – 12 weeks)
Application Deadline: December 5
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs; undergraduates must be rising sophomores or higher with a GPA above 2.5
This program offers you a paid summer internship with a government agency, matched to one of several career tracks, including data science, liberal arts, public administration, government contracting, technology & AI, or STEM. You'll work full-time on agency projects and participate in professional development workshops, virtual orientation, and networking events. The program is open to students from any school, though partner universities provide direct funding for their own students. After the application, selected candidates will rank their agency preferences and may undergo virtual interviews and background checks. The internship can be remote, hybrid, or in-person, depending on the placement agency.
Location: NASA Centers and Facilities nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid; stipend varies by academic level and internship duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; over 2,000 interns annually
Dates: Summer: Begins mid-May or June; Fall: Starts late August or early September (10-week sessions)
Application Deadline: Summer: February 27; Fall: May 22
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; must be at least 16 years old; enrolled in a college or university (part-time or full-time) with a 3.0 GPA or higher; all majors welcome
NASA’s internships allow you to work side-by-side with agency mentors on real-world projects related to science, engineering, business, IT, and more. As an intern, you’ll gain practical experience aligned with NASA’s mission while developing technical and career-readiness skills. While many roles are STEM-based, non-STEM students can also support business operations, communications, human resources, or public engagement initiatives. You typically work full-time, and roles can be in-person or hybrid depending on the center. These internships are part of NASA’s OSTEM program and are considered a strong step toward full-time roles at the agency.
Location: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; salary based on education level and completed credit hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 100 interns each summer
Dates: 10–12 weeks starting late May or early June
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; most positions posted in September; interviews conducted through fall with offers finalized by December
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, and returning to school after the internship
As a summer intern at the Federal Reserve Board, you’ll work on projects tied to economics, finance, data analysis, law, or IT, depending on your academic focus. Internships are full-time and paid, offering direct exposure to central banking operations and research. You’ll join a supportive team environment and receive substantive assignments that align with your area of study. While law students can apply for clerkships, and PhD students may pursue research fellowships, most interns are undergraduates or master’s students. This experience is designed to give you practical skills and insight into public financial institutions.
Location: FDIC regional offices and field locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid bi-weekly + $2,500 housing stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies as per region
Dates: Year–round
Application Deadline: Varies by region and job posting on USAJOBS
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; enrolled at least half-time in a bachelor’s degree program; must have completed sophomore year and be majoring in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Commercial/Banking Law; minimum GPA of 3.25
The Financial Institution Intern Program at the FDIC offers college students hands-on experience in financial regulation and supervision. You work alongside seasoned professionals to evaluate bank operations, risk management strategies, and consumer protection practices. The program is ideal for students majoring in accounting, finance, economics, or related fields who possess strong analytical and communication skills. You may participate in on-site bank examinations and learn about banking laws and regulatory procedures. Successful interns may be offered part-time roles during the school year and potential full-time positions post-graduation.
Location: FAA regional offices and facilities (varies by assignment)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid; amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically, small, targeted cohorts
Dates: June 2 – August 22
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; enrolled in a degree program with a minimum 2.0 GPA; must be in good academic standing
The FAA’s Aviation Safety (AVS) STEM Student Program offers a paid summer internship for college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. You contribute to real-world aviation safety work alongside professionals such as aerospace engineers, flight test pilots, and aviation safety inspectors. The program emphasizes professional development through hands-on assignments, training, and mentorship. You gain valuable insights into aviation regulation and may earn academic credit. This 11-week internship builds both technical expertise and career interest in federal aviation roles. The program aims to develop a pipeline of skilled talent for the AVS Organization.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid; compensation based on education level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically, small and targeted cohorts
Dates: Continuous role that lasts for an indefinite period throughout the student's college career, with the potential to convert to a permanent employee upon graduation
Application Deadline: Varies; applications open on USAJOBS.gov throughout the year
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate or graduate program; are at least 16 years of age
The OCC Human Capital Internship Program offers students a chance to gain real‑world experience in federal human resources and workforce management within a major financial‑regulatory agency. As an intern, you may work on tasks such as recruitment, benefits and compensation analysis, labor and employee relations support, human resource data systems, and training and development planning. You’ll collaborate with HR professionals, receive formal coaching, and build an understanding of how a federal agency manages staffing, benefits, and human capital policy. The internship places emphasis on analytical work, communication, and exposure to real HR and organizational‑planning processes in a fast‑paced regulatory environment. The program gives you visibility to senior HR leaders, which may position you for future opportunities at OCC.
Location: Various National Park Service sites, regional offices, and remote options nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid at $21/hour or higher; includes a professional development stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies by position
Dates: Rolling placements, minimum of 11 weeks up to one year
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are current undergraduate/graduate students or recent graduates (within 2 years) in technical fields
The Build Up Technical Internship Program, run by the National Park Service, offers hands-on experience to students and recent graduates in technical fields such as engineering, architecture, project management, GIS, and community planning. You’ll work alongside NPS professionals on vital maintenance and planning projects at parks and offices across the country. The program focuses on professional development, mentorship, and exposure to federal land management practices. You’ll gain valuable skills and expand your network through interactions with NPS staff, partners, and communities.
Bonus Option - Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Winter, Spring, Fall, and Summer
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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