Carleton named fifth-highest producer of Peace Corps volunteers among small colleges in 2026
Carleton has consistently produced one of the highest all-time numbers of Peace Corps volunteers since the agency was established in 1961.
The Peace Corps announced its rankings of colleges and universities that have produced the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers in 2026, and Carleton is proud to be recognized once again as the fifth-highest producer of volunteers this year among small colleges, which includes institutions with fewer than 5,000 undergraduates.
Since the Peace Corps’ founding in 1961, 542 Carls have served abroad as volunteers. The College currently has 11 alumni serving in nine countries around the world, including Benin, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya, Kosovo, Morocco, Namibia, and Paraguay.
Peace Corps volunteers collaborate with community members on locally prioritized projects, gaining skills and experience while fostering mutual understanding. Countries and communities around the world continue to partner with the Peace Corps as the agency aspires to attract and support 8,000 volunteers in service by September 30, 2030.
“We are grateful to partner with colleges and universities across the nation who instill the value of national service in their students, inspiring them to pursue their purpose post-graduation,” said Peace Corps acting director Richard E. Swarttz. “In more than 60 countries, Peace Corps volunteers are working side by side with communities helping to address real needs through agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth in development projects.”
“Sixty-five years after our founding, the Peace Corps is still going strong,” Swarttz added. “Peace Corps service is still the toughest job you’ll ever love, and we want Americans of all backgrounds to challenge themselves to grow personally and professionally as a volunteer.”
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 the last day of the fiscal year (September 30).
The Peace Corps invites U.S. Americans from all backgrounds who embody the spirit of service and a commitment to cross-cultural understanding to apply for Peace Corps service. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online and take the first step toward a transformative experience contributing to world peace and friendship.
About the Peace Corps
The U.S. Government’s premier international volunteering agency, the Peace Corps sends passionate and skilled Americans abroad to collaborate on projects that advance both American and host country priorities. This year, the agency commemorates 65 years of promoting world peace and friendship through volunteer service while partnering with America250 to encourage more Americans to give back. Since 1961, the Peace Corps has played a vital role in advancing U.S. global engagement through the work of close to 250,000 volunteers serving in 144 host countries. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov.
Erica Helgerud ’20 is the news and social media manager for Carleton College.