Indiana University has officially launched its new Capital Campus in Washington, D.C., marking a major expansion of its academic presence in the United States capital.
The Indiana University DC Campus is housed in an eight-story building designed to bring together classrooms, research spaces, administrative offices, and student housing in one central location. University leaders say the new site will strengthen academic programs while connecting students more closely with national and international institutions.
The campus is located along Massachusetts Avenue, a prominent area known as Embassy Row due to its concentration of foreign embassies and global organizations. The surrounding neighborhood includes diplomatic missions such as the embassies of Australia and the Philippines, placing students in a highly international environment.
Indiana University’s Foundation purchased the building from Johns Hopkins University in 2025 for $17.5 million. The acquisition reflects the university’s long-term plan to expand its footprint in Washington and build stronger links with policy, government, and research communities.
University officials said the Capital Campus will support programs in public affairs, international studies, and political science. The location is expected to provide students with direct access to internships, networking opportunities, and exposure to policy-making institutions.
Indiana University President Pamela Whitten said the campus will help prepare students for leadership roles by placing them closer to organizations and discussions that influence global decision-making. She emphasized that students will gain real-world experience that will benefit both Indiana and broader national interests.
The university has maintained academic programs in Washington for more than four decades. However, officials said the new campus will centralize operations and expand opportunities in a more structured and visible way.
The facility also aims to raise the profile of Indiana University’s research and academic work in the nation’s capital. Administrators believe the proximity to government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations will enhance collaboration and visibility.
Student housing is included in the new campus structure, offering 40 beds for students participating in programs in Washington. The accommodations feature single and double rooms, each with private bathrooms, along with shared kitchenettes, common spaces, fitness access, and study areas designed to support academic life.
The residential component is expected to help students fully engage with the Washington experience while maintaining close access to academic and professional opportunities.
The opening of the campus has also received support from Indiana’s congressional delegation. U.S. Senator Todd Young praised the initiative, saying it would expand Indiana University’s presence in Washington and create new opportunities for students.
He added that the Capital Campus would strengthen the university’s position as a leading institution in higher education at both national and global levels.
Earlier this year, Indiana University appointed Don DeMaria as executive director of the Capital Campus. In this role, he will oversee development, build strategic partnerships, and expand access to Washington-based academic and professional experiences for students across the university system.
University officials believe the new campus represents a significant step in connecting education with practical experience in policy and international affairs. They say the Washington location will allow students to engage directly with institutions shaping global decisions while continuing their academic studies.
As the Indiana University DC Campus begins operations, administrators expect it to become a key hub for students seeking careers in government, diplomacy, and public service, reinforcing the university’s long-standing commitment to experiential learning and academic expansion.
