In its 2024 edition of best colleges, Washington Monthly ranked Michigan State University in the top 50 nationally and top 20 among public institutions. MSU improved two places in the overall national ranking to No. 43 and one place among public institutions to No. 20.

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.

MSU’s ranking among public university members of the Association of American Universities remained at No. 14. AAU membership is considered very prestigious as they represent the country’s leading research universities.

In the category of research expenditures, MSU improved three places to No. 31. Funds spent to conduct research are the most frequently cited and consistent data for comparing research levels among colleges and universities. MSU’s expenditures have continued to grow, reaching $844 million in 2023.

“Sustained investments in faculty hiring and research infrastructure over the past 10 years have positioned us for our success today,” said Doug Gage, vice president for Research and Innovation. “We are on track to exceed the objectives of MSU’s strategic plan and importantly, making progress toward finding solutions to the most pressing societal issues.”

Washington Monthly also prepares a separate ranking for “Best Bang for the Buck” colleges. Divided by region, this considers which universities help students obtain marketable degrees at affordable prices. For 2024, MSU improved two places to No. 14 in the Midwest region for “Best Bang for the Buck.”