FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Peace Corps Announces 2011 Rankings of Masters International and Fellows/USA Graduate Schools

Michigan Technological University and University of Arizona Earn Top Spot

Washington, D.C., April 6, 2011 Michigan Technological University earned the top spot for the sixth consecutive year on the 2011 rankings of Peace Corps Masters International program, and the University of Arizona took the top spot for Peace Corps Fellows/USA program. Michigan Technological University has 32 Masters International students serving in the Peace Corps, while the University of Arizona has 58 returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) in the Fellows/USA program.

The Peace Corps Masters International program allows students to earn their graduate degree while serving in the Peace Corps, and the Fellows/USA program provides RPCVs with scholarships, academic credit, and stipends to earn an advanced degree after they complete their Peace Corps service.

Every year, hundreds of Peace Corps volunteers pair meaningful service with graduate studies through Peace Corps Masters International and Fellows/USA programs, said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. After completing Peace Corps service, volunteers return to the United States as global citizens, with leadership, cross-cultural understanding, language, and technical skills that position them well for all future endeavors.

About the Masters International program: Peace Corps partners with more than 80 colleges and universities nationwide to enable students to earn a masters degree while serving in the Peace Corps. Students begin their studies on campus, serve overseas with the Peace Corps for two years, then return to school to finish graduate work. As part of a Peace Corps volunteers service, the volunteer will work on projects related to his or her masters studies. The program began at Rutgers UniversityCamden in 1987 and since then, more than 1,000 Peace Corps volunteers have completed the program. For more information, visit www.peacecorps.gov/masters.

About the Fellows/USA program: Peace Corps partners with more than 60 colleges and universities nationwide to offer RPCVs an opportunity to earn their graduate or doctorate degree at a reduced cost. In return for financial benefits like reduced tuition, assistantships, and stipends, volunteers put the skills they learned in the Peace Corps to work in professional internships in underserved American communities. Volunteers who have satisfactorily completed their Peace Corps service have lifetime eligibility for Fellows/USA. The program was started in 1985 at Columbia University, Teachers College and since then, nearly 4,000 Peace Corps volunteers have completed the program. For more information, visit www.peacecorps.gov/fellows.

Top five Masters International universities and colleges:
(The number in parenthesis represents the number of students enrolled in the program and serving overseas as of September 30, 2010.)
1. Michigan Technological University (32)
2. Tulane University (28)
3. University of Washington (26)
4. Monterey Institute of International Studies (20)
5. George Mason University (15)
Illinois State University (15)
SIT Graduate Institute (15)
University of Denver (15)

Top five Fellows/USA universities and colleges:
(The number in parenthesis represents the number of students enrolled in the program as of September 30, 2010.)
1. University of Arizona (58)
2. University of Denver (57)
3. Johns Hopkins University (41)
4. Columbia University, Teachers College (33)
5. Duke University (29)

To view the entire top 10 rankings of Masters International and Fellows/USA universities and colleges, visit the Peace Corps website.

The rankings of top undergraduate Peace Corps universities and colleges were released on February 1, 2011.

About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 77 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

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