Times Higher Education has announced its 2026 World University Rankings, placing Michigan State University (MSU) among the top 5% of universities globally. With a ranking of 105 out of 2,191 institutions, MSU improved by 17 positions from the previous year and achieved its highest ranking in four years.
Among the 171 colleges and universities in the United States included in the rankings, MSU advanced four spots to secure the 38th position. MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., expressed pride in the university’s accomplishments, stating, “This is another proud moment for Michigan State as a passionately public, global research university. The recognition reflected in these rankings underscores our academic and research excellence driven by our world-class faculty who are deeply committed to student success.”
The significant rise in MSU’s ranking is largely attributed to an improved score on the faculty reputational survey, which constitutes 33% of the overall score. Times Higher Education employs a consistent methodology that has remained unchanged for the past three years, evaluating institutions based on 17 metrics across five categories.
MSU’s Competitive Standing Among Big Ten Institutions
MSU’s worldwide rank of 105 positions it as No. 10 among the 18 Big Ten institutions, marking an improvement of three places. Notably, five Big Ten universities experienced an average rise of seven positions, with MSU’s leap from No. 122 to No. 105 being the most substantial.
In addition to the recent Times Higher Education recognition, MSU has also garnered significant accolades in various domains. The university boasts six undergraduate programs ranked among the best in the nation. Furthermore, it has received high marks for research and affordability from Washington Monthly, while its graduate programs have achieved several No. 1 and top ten rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
As MSU continues to enhance its academic reputation and research capabilities, these rankings reflect a commitment to excellence in education and a positive trajectory in global standing. The university’s achievements resonate not only within its community but also in the broader context of higher education internationally.
