Peace Corps' College Rankings

The 2011 "Peace Corps Top Colleges and Universities" rankings are a testament to the dedication of students and alumni from American colleges and universities who are serving communities worldwide through the Peace Corps. These rankings highlight the institutions that are producing the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers, demonstrating their commitment to global service and volunteerism. The rankings categorize universities based on their undergraduate populations, with large universities having more than 15,000 undergraduates, medium universities having between 5,001 and 15,000, and small universities having fewer than 5,000 undergraduates. Among the most notable changes in the 2011 rankings, UCLA stands out with a significant jump in its position, while other schools such as George Washington University and Clark University also made notable contributions to the Peace Corps service.

One of the key developments in the 2011 rankings is UCLA’s impressive rise of 10 spots, positioning itself as one of the top schools contributing to the Peace Corps’ mission. The university now ranks sixth among large universities, with 92 alumni currently serving in the Peace Corps, a sharp increase from 58 the previous year. This surge in the number of volunteers speaks to UCLA’s strong commitment to global citizenship and its success in preparing students for careers that have an impact both locally and globally. UCLA’s ranking reflects not only the number of alumni serving in the Peace Corps but also the university’s educational emphasis on community engagement, social justice, and global development. With its rich academic programs and global outreach initiatives, UCLA continues to be a leading institution in promoting international service and volunteerism.

Meanwhile, George Washington University (GWU) has earned a remarkable position at the top of the medium-sized university category, having maintained the No. 1 spot for three consecutive years. In 2011, GWU had 72 undergraduate alumni serving in the Peace Corps. This achievement underscores the university’s long-standing tradition of fostering a spirit of global service among its students. GWU’s emphasis on civic engagement and its location in Washington, D.C., where students have access to international organizations, government agencies, and non-profits, helps encourage and prepare students to serve overseas. The university’s global perspective is reinforced by its strong international programs and partnerships, furthering its connection to Peace Corps and similar initiatives that promote service and cross-cultural understanding.

The University of Montana also made a strong showing in the 2011 Peace Corps rankings, placing 14th in the medium-sized university category. The University of Montana’s commitment to public service is evident in the number of its alumni who serve in the Peace Corps. Alumni from the university serve in countries such as Azerbaijan, Benin, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Gambia, Honduras, and Tanzania, and they contribute to a wide variety of sectors including education, small business development, and youth empowerment. The University of Montana’s focus on service-oriented education and its role in developing socially conscious and globally aware graduates are reflected in its rankings and continued engagement with the Peace Corps.

The University of Vermont (UVM) also ranked highly in the medium-sized category, coming in at 13th place for the number of alumni serving in the Peace Corps. UVM’s alumni serve in countries ranging from Cameroon and Kenya to the Philippines and Zambia, in a variety of sectors including health, education, and small business development. The breadth of UVM’s Peace Corps volunteers speaks to the university’s commitment to providing students with an education that emphasizes global awareness and service. The international experiences of UVM students provide valuable contributions to the Peace Corps’ mission, helping to improve lives in countries across the globe.

Clark University, a small-sized university located in Worcester, Massachusetts, also made a significant mark in the 2011 rankings, placing 18th in the small university category. This is the second time Clark University has made it to the national rankings, and it’s a reflection of the university’s growing emphasis on social responsibility and global engagement. Clark alumni are serving in a range of countries, including Armenia, Ghana, and Uganda, working in sectors such as youth development, education, and small business development. Additionally, Clark University’s Graduate School of Management became a partner with the Peace Corps’ Fellows/USA program in 2010, which provides returned Peace Corps volunteers with the opportunity to pursue a graduate business degree while continuing their work in global development. This partnership further solidifies Clark’s commitment to fostering a culture of service and preparing students for leadership roles in global development.

The Peace Corps’ rankings are more than just a reflection of the number of alumni serving overseas; they also underscore the significant role that colleges and universities play in shaping the next generation of global leaders. The universities that rank highly in the Peace Corps listings share a common thread: they provide students with the education, experiences, and resources needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Through service programs, international study opportunities, and an emphasis on social responsibility, these universities equip their students with the skills and perspectives needed to make meaningful contributions to global communities.

In addition to providing volunteer opportunities abroad, these universities foster environments where students can develop a deep understanding of global issues, cross-cultural communication, and community development. By participating in Peace Corps programs, students gain hands-on experience in international development, working on the front lines of challenges such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and economic development. These experiences are transformative, not only for the communities the volunteers serve, but also for the volunteers themselves, as they return home with new perspectives, skills, and a lifelong commitment to service.

Furthermore, the universities that support Peace Corps service create strong networks of alumni who continue to engage in international development work and other forms of service throughout their careers. These alumni contribute to the global network of professionals working in development organizations, NGOs, and government agencies, creating lasting impacts on the world. The success of these institutions in fostering a culture of service and global engagement is an important part of their identity and mission, and it enhances the value of the education they offer to future students.

The 2011 Peace Corps rankings also shed light on the impact that small, medium, and large universities have on global volunteerism. Larger institutions such as UCLA contribute significantly to the Peace Corps’ efforts, while medium and small institutions such as George Washington University, University of Vermont, and Clark University also play critical roles in preparing students to serve abroad. The diversity of institutions represented in the rankings demonstrates that regardless of size, universities across the country are making meaningful contributions to the Peace Corps’ mission.

In conclusion, the 2011 "Peace Corps Top Colleges and Universities" rankings highlight the exceptional role that higher education institutions play in shaping global citizenship and volunteerism. UCLA’s rise in the rankings, George Washington University’s continued success, and the involvement of schools like the University of Montana, University of Vermont, and Clark University illustrate the widespread commitment to service among American universities. These institutions are not only preparing students to be successful in their careers but also encouraging them to become global leaders who are actively engaged in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. Through these contributions, the Peace Corps continues to thrive as an institution that fosters cross-cultural understanding, development, and positive social change around the world.