FORT KENT — Three campuses of the University of Maine System and one private college in Maine are ranked in the top 25 nationally among small schools in producing Peace Corps volunteers since the program began in 1961.

The Peace Corps defines small colleges and universities as those with fewer than 5,000 undergraduates. Of the Maine schools in the ranking, none has more than 3,000 students and one campus has fewer than 1,000 students.

The University of Maine at Farmington, with about 2,800 students, is ranked 17th in the nation, having produced 231 volunteers since 1961. Colby College in Waterville, with just under 2,000 undergraduates, is ranked 19th with 221 graduates who went into the Peace Corps.

In Aroostook County, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, with about 1,500 students, and the University of Maine at Fort Kent, with about 600 students, were tied in 21st place, with 215 students each who have joined the Peace Corps.

In first place among small colleges and universities placing students in the Peace Corps is the University of Chicago, with 519 students who have joined the organization.

“Throughout its history, the Peace Corps can trace much of its success to the energy and idealism that college students have brought to the agency,” wrote Peace Corps Director Mark Gearan to Charles Lyons, UMFK president.

“You and the faculty at Fort Kent can take great pride in having instilled in your students a spirit of service and a sense of adventure,” wrote Gearan. “By serving as Peace Corps volunteers, your alumni have made a difference in the lives of people overseas and here at home.”

Today, nearly 6,600 Peace Corps volunteers are serving in 87 countries. Since 1961, more than 150,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps.