The University Pipeline

At the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), we proudly celebrate institutions that uphold the Peace Corps legacy of service, global citizenship, and intercultural understanding. The 2025 rankings for Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities, released by the Peace Corps, reflect the enduring commitment of these academic institutions to cultivating global leaders who are equipped to make a difference in communities around the world.

Topping this year’s list is the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with 46 Badgers currently serving in 30 countries. A steadfast supporter of the Peace Corps mission, UW–Madison holds the No. 2 all-time spot with 3,074 alumni having served since 1961. Its continued leadership exemplifies a campus culture rooted in public service and global engagement.

Among smaller institutions, Colorado College emerged as the leader, with 13 alumni volunteers in service, while George Washington University took the top spot for medium-sized schools with 27 undergraduate alumni currently serving. GWU also ranks among the top producers of Peace Corps volunteers at the graduate level—testament to its broad and lasting impact on global service.

“Colleges and universities from across the nation are providing us their talented alumni to serve in countries around the globe,” said Peace Corps CEO 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.”

At NPCA, we continue to support the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) community with tools and opportunities that carry the Peace Corps experience forward. One such resource is the WorldView Guide to Graduate School, our comprehensive publication that helps RPCVs explore graduate programs aligned with values of social impact, global development, and equity. Whether you’re seeking advanced degrees in international affairs, public health, or environmental science, the WorldView Guide is designed to help you identify institutions that share your commitment to a life of service.

As we honor these top-ranked schools, we also reaffirm our shared mission: building a more peaceful and prosperous world through service, education, and global engagement. Congratulations to all the institutions whose alumni are shaping a better future—one volunteer, one community at a time.

The 2025 Rankings

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.