University also Ranks No. 5 Among Graduate Schools
Chicago, February 21, 2018 – Today, the Peace Corps announced that the University of Michigan ranked No. 8 among large schools on the agency’s 2018 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list. There are 61 Wolverines currently volunteering worldwide. The University of Michigan also ranked No. 5 in the graduate category, with 14 graduate alumni currently volunteering.
The University of Michigan has ranked in the top 10 among large schools every year since 2008.
“Peace Corps service is a profound expression of the idealism and civic engagement that colleges and universities across the country inspire in their alumni,” said Acting Peace Corps Director Sheila Crowley. “As Peace Corps Volunteers, recent college and university graduates foster capacity and self-reliance at the grassroots level, making an impact in communities around the world. When they return to the United States, they have new, highly sought-after skills and an enterprising spirit that further leverages their education and strengthens their communities back home.”
Alumni from more than 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide have served in the Peace Corps. Since the agency’s founding in 1961, 2,720 Wolverines have served in communities around the world. In 2017, the University of Michigan launched the Peace Corps Prep program on their campus, which gives students a competitive edge before applying to the Peace Corps by allowing them to combine hands on experience with relevant coursework. That same year, the state of Michigan ranked No. 9 among states with the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers, while the Ann Arbor metro area also ranked No. 9 among metropolitan areas with the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers per 100,000 residents.
Rachel Hatch and David Galura are both Michigan natives, University of Michigan alumni and currently serving Peace Corps volunteers. They share how their alma mater inspired and prepared them for Peace Corps service.
“It was on the steps of the Michigan Union in 1960 that President John F. Kennedy discussed the need for Americans to dedicate their time and efforts to promoting peace and service internationally,” Hatch said. “Since the inception of Peace Corps on our campus, UM has been dedicated to volunteerism, social work, and community outreach. I believe these values are deeply rooted in our university and they inspire so many alumni to serve abroad. Wherever you go, Go Blue!”
Hatch is an education volunteer in Mongolia, facilitating English workshops for students, teachers, business owners, police officers and healthcare providers in her community.
Galura is currently serving in Mozambique as a health volunteer, working to prevent the stigma and spread of HIV, and empowering youth through activities focused on health education.
“Michigan is an institution that takes global engagement, social justice, and community service seriously,” said Galura. “Every student that graduates from Michigan is influenced by these values. Because of this commitment, students are aware, inspired, and prepared to answer the call of the Peace Corps.”
Galura says one of the best parts of his service is the sense of community and friendship he feels every day.
“A common saying here is, ‘estamos juntos,’ said Galura. “It’s used after meeting someone for the first time, at the end of meetings, and when you agree with someone. It means ‘we are together.’ This phrase is more than just words. It’s something that’s taken to heart all throughout Mozambique.”
The Peace Corps ranks its top volunteer-producing colleges and universities annually according to the size of the student body. Below find the top five schools in each category and the number of alumni currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers. View the complete 2018 rankings of the top 25 schools in each category here and find an interactive map that shows where alumni from each college and university are serving here.
Large Colleges & Universities – Total Volunteers:
More than 15,000 Undergraduates
- University of Wisconsin-Madison – 85
- University of Washington – 74
- University of Minnesota – 72
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill – 70
- University of Florida – 68
Medium Colleges & Universities – Total Volunteers:
Between 5,000 and 15,000 undergraduates
- George Washington University – 50
- American University – 49
- College of William and Mary – 35
- University of Montana – 34
- Tulane University – 33
Small Colleges & Universities – Total Volunteers:
Fewer than 5,000 undergraduates
1. St. Mary’s College of Maryland – 17
2. Macalester College – 15
2. St. Lawrence University – 15
4. University of Redlands – 14
4. University of Mary Washington – 14.
4. Evergreen State College – 14
4. Hobart and William Smith Colleges – 14
4. Whitworth University – 14
4. Spelman College – 14
10. Willamette University – 13
10. Denison University – 13
10. Agnes Scott College – 13
13. Carleton College – 12
13. Bucknell University – 12
13. Eckerd College – 12
Graduate Schools – Total Volunteers:
1. Tulane University – 27
2. American University – 19
3. University of South Florida – 16
4. George Washington University – 15
5. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor – 14
5. Columbia University – 14
5. University of Denver – 14
Historical, Since 1961 – Total Volunteers:
- University of California, Berkeley – 3,671
- University of Wisconsin-Madison – 3,279
- University of Washington – 3,027
- University of Michigan – 2,720
- University of Colorado Boulder – 2,504
*Rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2017 data as of September 30, 2017, as self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers.
About the Peace Corps: The Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad on behalf of the United States to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. Through their Peace Corps experience, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 230,000 Americans of all ages have served in 141 countries worldwide. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.