UW is a top producer of Peace Corps volunteers

Our take

The University of Washington (UW) has once again earned recognition as a leading institution for Peace Corps volunteers, ranking No. 3 among all universities since the program's inception in 1961. This accolade highlights UW's longstanding commitment to fostering global citizenship and community engagement among its students. With a rich history of producing dedicated volunteers, UW continues to inspire students to pursue meaningful work that extends beyond the classroom and into communities around the world. The Peace Corps, established in 1961, aims to promote peace and friendship through international service. Volunteers engage in a variety of projects, addressing critical needs in areas such as education, health, and environmental sustainability. UW's high ranking reflects the university's emphasis on experiential learning and its ability to cultivate a sense of responsibility toward global challenges. Students at UW are encouraged to explore opportunities that enhance their understanding of different cultures and contribute positively to society. This spirit of service not only prepares individuals for their roles as global citizens but also enriches the communities they serve. As UW maintains its position as a top producer of Peace Corps volunteers, it demonstrates the profound impact of higher education on shaping compassionate leaders ready to tackle the world's pressing issues.

A view of UW's campus looking south to Mt. Rainier — The Peace Corps said that the UW is again No. 3 on the list of top volunteer-producing institutions since 1961 and No. 7 among large universities whose alumni volunteered in 2025.

The Peace Corps announced Tuesday that the University of Washington is again No. 3 on the list of top volunteer-producing institutions since the international program launched in 1961.

For 2025, the UW placed No. 7 among universities with 15,000 or more enrolled undergraduates in total number of Peace Corps volunteers, according to the Peace Corps. In total, more than 3,175 UW graduates have gone on to service opportunities abroad as volunteers.

The UW is proud to prepare students to engage meaningfully with the world, said Ahmad Ezzeddine, UW vice provost for global affairs.

“The Peace Corps remains one of our nation’s most effective avenues for citizen diplomacy, and we are grateful for its long history of strengthening communities around the globe,” Ezzeddine said.

Volunteers in the Peace Corps work side by side with communities to help to address real needs through agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development projects, Peace Corps acting Director Richard E. Swarttz said.

“Sixty-five years after our founding, the Peace Corps is still going strong,” he said.

According to the Peace Corps, 38 UW alumni served in 26 countries around the world during the past fiscal year, including Albania, Montenegro, Armenia, Cameroon, Colombia, countries in the Eastern Caribbean, Ecuador, Fiji, Georgia, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Vanuatu and Zambia.

To better reflect the combined contributions of volunteers who serve traditional 27-month assignments and Peace Corps Response volunteers who serve for 6-12 months, the Peace Corps counted alumni volunteers who served at any point during the 2025 fiscal year for the 2026 rankings. Previously, colleges and universities were ranked on a one-day annual headcount of volunteers on Sept. 30, the last day of the fiscal year.

More than 250,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps around the world since President John F. Kennedy initiated the program in 1961.

Learn more about the Peace Corps and the UW.

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