Founded in 1855 as the nation’s first land-grant university, Michigan State University (MSU) has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative research, teaching and outreach. Serving as the prototype for 69 land-grant institutions established under the Morrill Act of 1862, MSU is known worldwide as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. It is the first institution of higher learning in the United States to teach scientific agriculture. Its 17 degree-granting colleges and affiliated private law school attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.
MSU Tradition
Nickname: Spartans | Colors: Green and White | Mascot: Sparty | Conference: Big Ten
Campus Profile
- Located in East Lansing, three miles east of Michigan’s capitol in Lansing
- 5,200-acre campus with 566 buildings, including 110 with academic or instructional space
- Approximately 19,600 acres throughout Michigan used for agricultural and natural resources research and education
Academics
- 200+ programs of undergraduate, graduate, and professional study
- 275+ study abroad programs in more than 60 countries on all continents
- Outstanding record of students earning prestigious national and international scholarships
Research
- Top federal funding agencies: Dept. of Energy, National Science Foundation, Dept. of Health and Human Services, Dept. of Agriculture, U.S. Agency for International Development, Dept. of Defense and Dept. of Education
- Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, a $730 million scientific user facility funded by the U.S. Dept. of Energy Office of Science, MSU and the State of Michigan, will advance understanding of rare isotopes and provide research opportunities for scientists and students from around the globe
Global
- Average annual funding of $77 million for international work over past five years
- Ranks No. 8 in the nation for education abroad participation and No. 18 for international student enrollment
Engagement
- Reaches into all 83 counties in Michigan through MSU Extension to share resources with individuals, communities, and businesses
- Offers academic and professional degree and certificate programs extended to off-campus learners, with more than 40,000 enrollments in 140 online, blended and off-campus programs
- Top Distinctions (U.S. News and World Report ranks MSU)
- 85th among the world’s top 100 universities
- 35th among the nation’s public universities
- Among the largest single-campus housing systems in the country with, 27 residence halls in five neighborhoods and three apartment communities
Campus Life
- MSU has 25 varsity squads: 12 intercollegiate sports for men and 13 intercollegiate sports for women
- Women’s golf team named 2018 Big Ten Champions
- 22 straight NCAA appearances by men’s basketball team, including 10 Final Fours
- One of the largest intramural sports programs in the nation
Student Organizations
- Registered student groups: more than 900
- Student media: The State News and Impact 89 FM radio
- Greek-letter community: more than 50 nationally affiliated organizations