Peace Corps releases 2026 top volunteer-producing colleges and universities rankings

WASHINGTON - The Peace Corps released today its 2026 top volunteer-producing colleges and universities list. The George Washington University took top honors among medium-sized schools and was also the nation's top volunteer-producing graduate school. During the past fiscal year, 41 GW undergraduate alumni and 13 graduate school alumni served as Peace Corps volunteers.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison retained its number one ranking among large schools, a position it also held in 2025. Since the agency's founding 65 years ago, UW-Madison alums have consistently been well represented among Peace Corps volunteers overseas, with 63 Badgers serving as volunteers during the past fiscal year. The university also maintained its place as the No. 2 all-time volunteer producing school with 3,466 alumni serving since 1961; only University of California, Berkeley surpasses that number with 3,807 alumni.

Colorado College took the No. 1 slot among small-sized schools, with 17 alumni volunteers, followed by Hobart and William Smith Colleges with 15.

"We are grateful to partner with colleges and universities across the nation who instill the value of national service in their students, inspiring them to pursue their purpose post-graduation," said Peace Corps acting Director Richard E. Swarttz. "In more than 60 countries, Peace Corps volunteers are working side by side with communities helping to address real needs through agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth in development projects.

"2026 marks the Peace Corps' 65th anniversary year, and we are going from strength to strength." Swarttz added. "Peace Corps service is still the toughest job you'll ever love, and we want Americans of all backgrounds to challenge themselves to grow personally and professionally as a volunteer."

Below find the 2026 top ranked schools in each category and the number of alumni who served as Peace Corps volunteers in fiscal year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025). View the complete 2026 rankings with the top schools in each category here .

2026 Top Large Colleges and Universities - Total Volunteers
More than 15,000 undergraduates

1. University of Wisconsin-Madison - 63

2. University of Colorado Boulder - 53

3. University of Florida - 44

4. The University of Texas at Austin - 42

5. Virginia Tech - 40

2026 Top Medium Colleges and Universities - Total Volunteers
Between 5,000 and 15,000 undergraduates

1. The George Washington University - 41

2. American University - 35

3. University of Vermont - 29

3. William & Mary - 29

5. Western Washington University - 28

2026 Top Small Colleges and Universities - Total Volunteers
Fewer than 5,000 undergraduates

1. Colorado College - 17

2. Hobart and William Smith Colleges - 15

3. Kenyon College - 13

4. Macalester College - 12

5. Carleton College - 11

2026 Top Graduate Schools - Total Volunteers
All Categories

1. The George Washington University - 13

2. American University - 11

3. University of Michigan - 10

4. Columbia University - 9

5. Boston University - 8

Historical, Since 1961 - Total Volunteers
All Categories

1. University of California, Berkeley - 3,807

2. University of Wisconsin-Madison - 3,466

3. University of Washington - 3,175

4. University of Michigan - 2,851

5. University of Colorado Boulder - 2,653

*Rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2025 data, as self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers.

To better reflect the combined contributions of volunteers who serve traditional 27-month assignments and Peace Corps Response volunteers who serve for 6-12 months, the Peace Corps counted alumni volunteers who served at any point during the 2025 fiscal year for the 2026 rankings. Previously, colleges and universities were ranked on a one-day annual headcount of volunteers on the last day of the fiscal year (September 30).

Peace Corps volunteers collaborate with community members on locally-prioritized projects, gaining skills and experience while fostering mutual understanding and promoting American values. Countries and communities around the world continue to partner with the Peace Corps as the agency aspires to attract and support 8,000 volunteers in service by September 30, 2030. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit peacecorps.gov to learn more about the Peace Corps and apply for service.