Spotlight on Excellence: Hobart and William Smith Colleges Climbs to No. 2

Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS), a prestigious pair of liberal arts institutions nestled in Geneva, New York, has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the No. 2 position among small colleges in the Peace Corps' 2026 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities rankings. This accolade highlights the college's unwavering commitment to fostering global citizenship and service-oriented leadership among its students. With 15 alumni currently contributing their skills across 12 diverse countries—from the vibrant communities of the Dominican Republic to the dynamic landscapes of Viet Nam—HWS stands as a beacon for higher education's role in international development.

The rankings, released on April 7, 2026, by the Peace Corps, celebrate institutions whose graduates are actively serving as volunteers during the fiscal year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025). This year's methodology marks a shift, counting alumni who served at any point during the fiscal year rather than a single-day snapshot, providing a more comprehensive view of contributions from both traditional 27-month volunteers and shorter-term Peace Corps Response participants.

Understanding the Peace Corps Rankings Landscape

The Peace Corps, established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, has long partnered with U.S. higher education institutions to recruit dedicated graduates eager to promote world peace and friendship. These annual rankings categorize colleges based on undergraduate enrollment: small (fewer than 5,000 students), medium (5,000 to 15,000), and large (more than 15,000). They underscore not just numbers but the profound impact of alumni in sectors like agriculture, education, health, environment, community economic development, and youth development.

In the small college category, competition is fierce among liberal arts powerhouses. Leading the pack is Colorado College with 17 volunteers, followed closely by HWS at 15. Trailing are Kenyon College (13), Macalester College (12), and Carleton College (11). This dominance by small schools reveals a trend: intimate learning environments often cultivate deeper commitments to public service.

Medium schools saw The George Washington University top with 41, while large institutions were led by University of Wisconsin-Madison's impressive 63 volunteers. These figures reflect a resurgence in volunteer numbers post-pandemic, aligning with the agency's goal of 8,000 volunteers by 2030.

Hobart and William Smith: A Legacy of Service Since 1961

Since the Peace Corps' inception, 251 HWS alumni have donned the mantle of volunteer service, embodying the colleges' motto of preparing students "for lives of consequence." This year's No. 2 ranking builds on recent successes, including third place in 2025. President Mark D. Gearan, himself a former Peace Corps Director (1995-1999), attributes this to HWS's holistic approach: "Their willingness to engage with communities around the world, to listen, learn and lead with purpose speaks to the power of an HWS education."

HWS, comprising Hobart College (historically men's) and William Smith College (historically women's), now thrives as a fully coeducational liberal arts duo with about 1,700 undergraduates. Its Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning bridges classroom theory with real-world action, encouraging experiential learning that mirrors Peace Corps challenges. Study abroad programs, global citizenship courses, and alumni networks further prime students for overseas service.

Where HWS Alumni Are Making an Impact

The 15 HWS volunteers span 12 countries, tackling pressing local needs. In Guatemala and Panama, they support education initiatives; in Kenya and Senegal, health and youth programs flourish under their guidance. This geographic diversity showcases adaptability—a core Peace Corps tenet.

• Dominican Republic: Community economic development.
• Ecuador: Environmental conservation.
• Eswatini: Youth in development.
• Morocco and North Macedonia: Education enhancement.
• Philippines and Paraguay: Health outreach.

Such placements not only aid host communities but also enrich volunteers' resumes with cross-cultural expertise, language proficiency, and project management skills highly valued in higher education careers.

Photo by Nationaal Archief on Unsplash

Why Small Liberal Arts Colleges Dominate Peace Corps Lists

Liberal arts colleges like HWS, Colorado College, and Kenyon consistently lead due to their emphasis on interdisciplinary education, close faculty-student mentorship, and service-integrated curricula. Unlike larger universities, these institutions prioritize personal growth, ethical leadership, and global awareness from day one.

Trends show small schools producing volunteers at rates disproportionate to size. For instance, HWS's 15 volunteers from 1,700 students yield a per capita impact rivaling giants. Factors include dedicated Peace Corps recruiters on campus, alumni mentorship programs, and gap-year encouragement. As Peace Corps Acting Director Richard E. Swarttz noted, these partners "instill the value of national service." For more on the full rankings, visit the official Peace Corps announcement.

Real Stories from HWS Peace Corps Alumni

Alumni narratives illuminate HWS's influence. Class of 2017's Mendelson, inspired by New Zealand study abroad, served post-graduation, honing resilience amid cultural immersion. Weiss '17, evacuated due to COVID-19, reflected on transformative bonds formed abroad. Recent 2025 grads continue this tradition, with four joining directly after commencement.

These stories reveal step-by-step journeys: pre-service training in language and technical skills, site integration via community diagnostics, project implementation with local collaboration, and readjustment stateside. Such experiences build empathy and adaptability, key for academia's evolving global landscape.

Career Advantages for Higher Ed Graduates in Peace Corps

Peace Corps service supercharges post-grad trajectories. Volunteers receive comprehensive medical/dental coverage, housing stipends, and a $10,000 readjustment allowance upon completion. Many leverage this for grad school via Coverdell Fellows programs or federal hiring preferences.

Studies indicate returned volunteers outperform peers: 13.6% higher salaries in education fields. In higher ed, skills translate to roles in international affairs, student affairs, or faculty positions emphasizing diversity. HWS alumni often return to academia enriched, pursuing advanced degrees or nonprofit leadership. Explore HWS's perspective in their press release.

Trends and Challenges in College Peace Corps Participation

Post-2020 recovery boosted numbers, with FY2025 data showing gains. Yet challenges persist: application delays, safety concerns, and competing gap-year options. Small colleges counter via tailored prep: resume workshops, mock interviews, and service transcripts.

• Benefits: Enhanced employability, networks, cultural competence.
• Risks: Deferred careers, isolation—mitigated by robust support.
• Comparisons: Liberal arts vs. research unis: former excel per capita.

2026's 65th anniversary amplifies recruitment, eyeing diverse applicants.

Photo by Alexander Krivitskiy on Unsplash

Implications for Higher Education Institutions

These rankings spotlight service as a differentiator. Colleges investing in global programs see retention boosts and alumni giving rises. HWS exemplifies: service weaves into identity, attracting mission-aligned students.

Stakeholders—administrators, faculty, students—gain from multi-perspective views: volunteers report personal growth; hosts laud expertise; employers prize real-world savvy. Future: AI-era service evolves, blending tech with human connection.

Future Outlook: Sustaining Momentum in Volunteer Production

With Peace Corps aiming for 8,000 volunteers by 2030, colleges like HWS are pivotal. Actionable insights: expand hybrid prep (virtual info sessions), partner for post-service mentorship, track alumni outcomes. HWS's trajectory—from #3 to #2—signals potential No. 1 contention.

As higher ed navigates enrollment dips, service rankings offer branding gold. Students pondering post-grad paths: consider Peace Corps for unparalleled growth. Institutions: emulate leaders via integrated service learning.