UMD Ranked Among Peace Corps’ 2026 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities

The University of Maryland ranks No. 6 among large schools on the Peace Corps’ 2026 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list.

During the past fiscal year, 39 alums served in 24 countries, from Cameroon to Colombia, Nepal to North Macedonia. Many come from UMD’s Peace Corps Prep undergraduate certificate program, a partnership between the Peace Corps and the School of Public Health's Global Health Initiative and Department of Behavioral and Community Health. 

"Our student population's enthusiasm for the Peace Corps Prep program reflects a profound commitment to service and global health,” said Tracy Zeeger, UMD Peace Corps Prep coordinator and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Public Health’s Department of Behavioral and Community Health. “Participation not only nurtures their passion for learning but also equips them with invaluable leadership skills that are transferable to any career, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in communities worldwide."

Since the Peace Corps’ founding in 1961, 1,412 Terps have served abroad as volunteers. The tradition of Terp involvement is likely to continue: Zeeger said 158 students are currently enrolled in the Peace Corps Prep Program at UMD.

“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.”