Michigan State University

History, Affiliations and Rankings

A top 100 global university, Michigan State University was established in 1855 as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan. Within 7 years of establishment, it became USA’s premier land-grant institution in 1862 and attained its present name as Michigan State University (MSU) in 1984. From beginning its first classes with 5 Faculty and 53 students to enrolling nearly 50,000 students presently, MSU has thrived in offering educational opportunities. Noted for its high graduation rate, affordability and graduate success, MSU outperforms Ivy League institutions by appearing in the top echelon of Best Value Colleges in the US. MSU is affiliated with the Association of American Universities (AAU), Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), Universities Research Association (URA), and the University Research Center (URC). It is also among the sea-grant and space-grant colleges in the United States. Globally, MSU ranks #93 in the Times Higher Education rankings, #157 as per QS Rankings, and #108 according to USN Best Global Universities rankings for 2022. 

Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses

The Michigan State University campus is a 5,300-acre stretch of beautiful park-like green spaces, modern architecture and historic buildings. From world-class academic and sports facilities to world-class museums and botanical gardens, to performance spaces and contemporary areas for students to socialize, the MSU campus is a dynamic place to be at. The East Lansing and downtown area, too, has plenty of experiences for the students to discover, from concerts and Broadway shows to nature trails and farms. The University’s Horticulture garden spreads across a living laboratory. In addition, MSU has Health Centers and an exclusive range of dining options including Cafes and Restaurants on the campus. MSU offers 200+ academic programs with 100 minors across its 7 constituent Colleges, that offer specializations ranging from, Art, Communication, Entertainment, and Social and Cultural Studies to Business, Management, Health Sciences and STEM courses. Courses at the Undergraduate and Graduate levels along with professional study options are offered. There are 300+ education abroad programs as well as online courses and undergraduate research opportunities. 

Accomplishments and Alumni

A top 100 global University, Michigan State University falls in the top 40 research universities in Washington Monthly’s 2021 rankings. Pushing the boundaries of research, the faculty at MSU has collectively produced 2,700+ inventions. With an overall research expenditure of $700+ million, the University has created an economic statewide impact of $55.8 billion. MSU is a global institution, that ranks as the #1 public university is the US for study abroad education. Further, across its 30+ internationally-focused centers, MSU has secured an average annual funding of $78 million for international work. It also includes one of the US's only Environmental Journalism organizations, a student-run organic farm and a solar car racing team. Michigan State University has a massive global alumni network, 2,77,000 of which continue to live and work in Michigan. Its graduates include some of the highly recognized names such as - Stanley Cohen (Nobel Prize in Physiology), Robert Shiller (Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences), WYC Grousebeck (CEO and Governor of NBA) and Ankur Warikoo (Internet Entrepreneur, Content Creator and Best-Selling Author).

Student Diversity and Visiting Companies

MSU has a total student population of 49,695 students out of which 38,500+ are Undergraduates while 11,000+ are enrolled in Graduate and professional studies. 25.9% of the total students constitute students of color, while 8.3% of them are international students. Students are known as “Spartans.” One of the unique traditions that you will experience at Michigan State is the “Spartan Bucket List,” which consists of 50 unique activities that you should do as an MSU student. This includes, clicking a photo with Sparky, the MSU mascot, trying every ice-cream flavor at The Dairy Store on the campus, painting the rock, spending a night studying the MSU library and other activities that will shape your entire MSU experience. 75% of MSU undergraduates completed an internship while overall, MSU graduates have a placement rate of 95% which is 12% above the national average securing an average salary package of $54,415. Spartans begin their careers in healthcare, corporate, academic and government sectors. Some of the top recruiters include - PepsiCo. Frito Lay, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Amazon, Deloitte, State of Michigan and more.