Peace Corps Announces 2025 Top Volunteer-Producing Schools

WASHINGTON – The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) holds the top spot among Peace Corps’ 2025 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list. There are currently 46 Badgers serving in 30 countries around the world. UW-Madison has consistently sent some of the largest cohorts of Peace Corps volunteers overseas and has maintained its place as the No. 2 all-time volunteer producer with 3,074 alumni having served since 1961.

Colorado College took the first slot among small-sized schools, with 13 alumni volunteers. George Washington University, with 27 undergraduate alumni in service, ranked at the top for medium-sized schools this year while also ranking among the top-producing graduate schools in the nation.

“Colleges and universities from across the nation are providing us their talented alumni to serve in countries around the globe,” said Peace Corps Chief Executive Officer Allison Greene. “These top-ranked schools understand the transformative power of public service and human connection. The Peace Corps builds invaluable intercultural communication skills, a broadened worldview, and adaptive leadership qualities needed in the American workforce today.”

Below find the top ranked schools in each category and the number of alumni currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers.

2025 Top Large Colleges and Universities – Total Volunteers

More than 15,000 undergraduates

1. University of Wisconsin-Madison – 46

2. University of Colorado Boulder – 39

3. University of Florida – 34

4. University of Maryland, College Park – 28

4. University of Virginia – 28

4. Virginia Tech – 28

2025 Top Medium Colleges and Universities – Total Volunteers

Between 5,000 and 15,000 undergraduates

1. George Washington University – 27

2. American University – 22

3. University of Vermont – 19

4. William & Mary – 17

5. Emory University – 13

5. Western Washington University – 13

2025 Top Small Colleges and Universities – Total Volunteers

Fewer than 5,000 undergraduates

1. Colorado College – 13

2. Kenyon College – 9

3. Hobart and William Smith Colleges – 8

3. Macalester College – 8

5. Carleton College – 7

5. Gettysburg College – 7

5. University of Richmond – 7

2025 Top Graduate Schools – Total Volunteers

All Categories

1. Columbia University – 9

1. University of Michigan – 9

3. American University – 7

3. George Washington University – 7

3. The University of Texas at Austin – 7

Historical, Since 1961 – Total Volunteers

All Categories

1. University of California, Berkeley – 3,163

2. University of Wisconsin-Madison – 3,074

3. University of Washington – 2,700

4. University of Michigan – 2,528

5. University of Colorado Boulder – 2,298

*Rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2024 data as of September 30, 2024, as self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers.

The Peace Corps’ unique model of community-based development and people-to-people diplomacy connects skilled, committed Americans to work in partnership with welcoming host communities. Since 1961, more than 240,000 Americans in 144 countries have supported global progress in agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth in development in some of the most remote areas of the world.

The Peace Corps invites all qualified U.S. citizens to answer our bold invitation to serve. Applicants who pursue certain programs will be eligible for added benefits, such as a shorter assignment, a mid-service break, or an increased readjustment stipend. The next application deadline is July 1, 2025. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online. Visit peacecorps.gov to learn more about Peace Corps volunteer service in 60 countries.