(Washington, D.C. | Wednesday, April 17, 2024) – The Peace Corps today announced its rankings of colleges and universities that have produced the highest all-time number of Peace Corps Volunteers since the agency was established in 1961. Over the last six decades, more than 240,000 Volunteers have accepted the agency’s Bold Invitation to serve in 144 countries around the world. Through service, the Peace Corps equips alumni with adaptive leadership, intercultural competence, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers across federal, state, and local governments; non-profits; and the private sector.

“Today’s world requires problem solvers and people who understand that it is only through shared impact that we will change the trajectory of global issues. Curiosity and openness to others is cultivated in school, but must be nurtured throughout our lifetimes,” said Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn. “I am so grateful to these outstanding institutions for challenging and inspiring their students to not only be exceptional students but also to go on to be informed and intentional global citizens.”

Below are the 2024 rankings of top, all-time Peace Corps Volunteer-producing colleges, universities, and graduate schools. Undergraduate schools are divided into large, medium, and small categories based on school enrollment.

2024 Top Large Colleges and Universities Historically Producing the Most Peace Corps Volunteers
More than 15,000 Undergraduates Enrolled

1. University of California, Berkeley – 2,862
2. University of Wisconsin-Madison – 2,766
3. University of Washington – 2,342
4. University of Colorado, Boulder – 2,131
5. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor – 2,065
6. Michigan State University – 2,004
7. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – 1,674
8. The University of Texas at Austin – 1,549
9. The Ohio State University – 1,523
10. University of California, Santa Barbara – 1,510

2024 Top Medium Colleges and Universities Historically Producing the Most Peace Corps Volunteers
Between 5,000 and 15,000 Undergraduates Enrolled

1. Western Washington University – 932
2. University of Notre Dame – 843
3. University of Vermont – 833
4. Yale University – 790
5. University of Montana – 760
6. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt – 758
7. American University – 751
8. William & Mary – 662
9. University of New Hampshire – 633
10. Dartmouth College – 605

2024 Top Small Colleges and Universities Historically Producing the Most Peace Corps Volunteers
Fewer than 5,000 Undergraduates Enrolled

1. Oberlin College and Conservatory – 509
2. Carleton College – 504
3. St. Olaf College – 483
4. Oregon Health & Science University – 444
5. Middlebury College – 416
6. Grinnell College – 370
7. Colorado College – 365
8. Macalester College – 362
9. Smith College – 360
10. Lewis & Clark College – 348

2024 Top Graduate Schools Historically Producing the Most Peace Corps Volunteers

• Large: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor – 558
• Medium: University of Denver – 305
• Small: Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey – 101

Note I: Cumulative numbers aggregated since the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961.

Note II: Rankings are based on Peace Corps data as of September 30, 2023. Volunteers self-report their undergraduate and graduate schools on their Peace Corps application.

Longstanding partnerships with institutions of higher education across the United States have inspired many future students to apply for overseas service with the Peace Corps. Through the Peace Corps Prep program, the agency partners with colleges and universities to provide enrolled students with opportunities to build core competencies that give applicants a competitive edge for Peace Corps service. The Peace Corps also partners with graduate schools through the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program to offer returned Peace Corps Volunteers opportunities to further their education while continuing their exemplary commitment to service in underserved areas.

This year’s rankings of top, all-time Volunteer-producing colleges, universities, and graduate schools include 11 schools with Peace Corps Prep programs and 11 schools with Paul D. Coverdell Fellowships, reflecting these institutions’ commitment to preparing individuals for positive impact and global citizenship.

“At the Peace Corps, we see international service as an opportunity to work with the leaders of today and tomorrow,” said Peace Corps Deputy Director David E. White Jr. “As they develop skills and pursue opportunities that will stem the tide of irregular migration, Peace Corps Volunteer service provides emerging changemakers with an opportunity to invest in local communities and work with partners from across the world to forge a brighter future for all.”

Peace Corps Volunteers serve in six programmatic sectors: education, health, environment, agriculture, youth development, and community economic development. These service opportunities allow them to apply their unique skills, and learn new ones, while supporting community-led development around the world. Additionally, the Peace Corps offers unique career advantages, providing Volunteers with global perspectives and skills highly valued in today’s interconnected society.

The Peace Corps invites U.S. Americans from all backgrounds who embody the spirit of service and a commitment to cross-cultural understanding to apply for Peace Corps service. The next application deadline is May 1, 2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online and take the first step toward a transformative experience contributing to world peace and friendship. Visit peacecorps.gov/bold to learn more about Peace Corps Volunteer service and how to connect with communities in over 60 countries to help build a better world.