University enters Peace Corps’ annual top colleges ranking

University enters Peace Corps’ annual top colleges rankingJanuary 15, 2009SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

Syracuse University has entered the Peace Corps’ top 25 list of medium-size schools (enrollment of 5,001-15,000 undergraduates) producing Peace Corps volunteers. With 19 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers, SU is 24th in the rankings. Since the Peace Corps’ inception, 723 SU alumni have joined.

“The Peace Corps relies heavily on the graduates of contributing schools from across the country. Their education and experiences add to the diversity of the Peace Corps and its success in the host countries,” says Director Ron Tschetter. “Currently, there are over 3,000 colleges and universities with alumni serving as Peace Corps volunteers in 76 countries worldwide. We want to thank the schools and the graduates for their continued dedication to the mission of the Peace Corps.”

In the medium-school category, George Washington University ranks first, with 57 graduates serving. The largest institution in the country for alumni currently serving in the Peace Corps, with 104, is the University of Washington.

The majority of volunteers who have served in the Peace Corps since its inception 47 years ago have been college graduates; however, it is not a requirement for service. Eighty-three percent of the current volunteers have at least an undergraduate degree, with 9 percent of Peace Corps volunteers having earned a graduate degree.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 195,000 volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served.

Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last five years. A total of 7,876 Peace Corps volunteers are now serving in 76 countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, visit http://www.peacecorps.gov.