In its 2023 edition of best colleges, Washington Monthly ranked Michigan State University in the top 50 nationally and top 25 among public institutions. The Forbes 2023 edition of America’s Top Colleges also lists MSU in the top 25 among public universities.

In Washington Monthly, MSU improved three places in the overall national ranking to No. 45, and two places among public institutions to No. 21. Forbes ranks MSU No. 24 among public universities.

Washington Monthly ranks four-year universities based on three broad categories: social mobility, research and providing opportunities for public service. Factors include research spending, faculty awards and the number of doctoral degrees awarded to graduates.

Forbes considers factors such as graduation rates, alumni salaries, academic success and outcomes for low-income students.

Washington Monthly also prepares a separate ranking for “Best Bang for the Buck” colleges. Divided by region, this considers which universities help non wealthy students obtain marketable degrees at affordable prices. MSU ranks No. 16 in the Midwest region for Best Bang for the Buck.

“Year after year, MSU continues to make significant investments in financial aid programs to better support our students and widen access to a world-class Michigan State education,” said Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D.

Over the past decade, MSU has invested heavily in student financial aid, increasing funding to expand access by 105%, or five times the resident undergraduate tuition rate increase during that same time. Under the fiscal year 2023-24 budget, MSU is investing an unprecedented $224 million in student financial aid — a $16.4 million increase over last year.