Peace Corps Rankings (US)

In 2012, the Peace Corps released its annual ranking of colleges and universities based on the number of graduates who are serving as volunteers around the world. The rankings provide insight into the institutions that are leading the way in fostering a sense of global citizenship and service among their students. These rankings are significant, as the Peace Corps continues to be one of the most prominent organizations for Americans wishing to engage in volunteer work abroad. The 2012 rankings highlighted several universities that are not only known for their academic programs but also for their commitment to producing graduates who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

The University of Colorado Boulder earned the top spot for the second consecutive year, with 112 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers. This achievement reflects the university’s strong emphasis on global engagement and service. The high number of alumni serving abroad indicates that the University of Colorado Boulder has cultivated a culture of service and global awareness, offering students opportunities to get involved in international development, community service, and cultural exchange. The university’s commitment to producing global citizens is further evident in its wide array of international programs and partnerships, which encourage students to think beyond national borders and engage with the world in meaningful ways. Its success in placing alumni in the Peace Corps is a testament to the school’s focus on preparing students for leadership roles in addressing global challenges.

Western Washington University, ranked second among medium-sized institutions, also demonstrates a strong commitment to producing Peace Corps volunteers. The university has a notable record of alumni serving in countries across the globe, including many in regions that face significant developmental challenges. Western Washington University’s success in the Peace Corps rankings is reflective of its emphasis on service learning, international studies, and global awareness programs. The university’s strong sense of community, both on and off-campus, fosters an environment where students are encouraged to participate in meaningful service projects that can make a lasting impact. The university’s position in the rankings highlights the value it places on preparing students to address pressing global issues through practical and hands-on service opportunities.

Another standout on the list is the University of Vermont, which ranked 5th in the medium-sized category, with 42 undergraduate alumni currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers. The University of Vermont’s commitment to producing global citizens who are dedicated to making a difference can be seen in the wide variety of countries where its alumni are serving, ranging from Azerbaijan to Zambia. The university offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in international studies, volunteer work, and community development, which contribute to the high number of alumni entering the Peace Corps. The university’s location in the Northeastern United States, combined with its progressive values, has created an environment where students are deeply engaged with global issues and are well-prepared to serve abroad in a variety of capacities. The University of Vermont’s success in the Peace Corps rankings highlights its dedication to fostering a culture of global responsibility.

Boston College has long been known for its strong academic reputation and commitment to developing socially responsible leaders. In 2012, it ranked 7th among medium-sized universities for producing Peace Corps volunteers. Boston College’s alumni are currently serving in a variety of countries, including Peru, Ecuador, China, and Morocco, underscoring the university’s global reach and influence. The school’s emphasis on ethics, social justice, and public service has fostered a generation of students who are eager to engage in international volunteer work and make a difference in communities around the world. The Peace Corps rankings reflect Boston College’s commitment to preparing students for lives of service and leadership. Its focus on creating socially responsible individuals who are well-prepared to work in diverse and challenging environments is a key factor in its success in producing Peace Corps volunteers.

Mount Holyoke College (MHC), an all-women’s liberal arts college, ranked 20th in the 2012 list of small schools (with fewer than 5,000 undergraduates) producing Peace Corps volunteers. MHC has long been known for its strong emphasis on global citizenship and social responsibility, with many of its students engaging in international service and development work. The college’s commitment to fostering a sense of global responsibility is reflected in its diverse academic offerings and extensive study abroad programs, which encourage students to explore the world and engage with different cultures. The fact that MHC has produced 17 Peace Corps volunteers, moving up three spots in the rankings, speaks to the growing awareness and enthusiasm among students to contribute to global development. The college’s reputation for empowering women to become leaders and agents of change around the world is reinforced by its continued presence in the Peace Corps rankings.

The Peace Corps ranking system highlights the ways in which these universities are fostering a culture of service, internationalism, and leadership. Through a combination of academic programs, service learning opportunities, and extracurricular activities, these institutions are preparing students to take on global challenges and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions in diverse international settings. The universities that perform well in the Peace Corps rankings not only excel in academics but also in instilling a sense of social responsibility and global awareness in their students.

The high number of Peace Corps volunteers from these schools reflects a broader trend in higher education where institutions are increasingly prioritizing global engagement, community service, and international development. This trend is especially evident in the increasing number of students pursuing careers in fields such as public health, international relations, environmental science, and social work, all of which align closely with the goals and mission of the Peace Corps.

In conclusion, the universities highlighted in the 2012 Peace Corps rankings are distinguished not only by their academic excellence but also by their commitment to producing graduates who are passionate about global service and development. These institutions offer a combination of academic rigor, extracurricular opportunities, and strong support systems that enable students to pursue careers in international service and make a tangible impact on communities around the world. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the role of these universities in shaping the next generation of global citizens becomes more crucial than ever. By preparing students to work in challenging international settings, these universities are playing a vital role in advancing the Peace Corps mission and addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues.