In the Global Employability University Ranking 2025, published by Times Higher Education, Michigan State University is No. 8 among U.S. public universities and No. 31 in the country overall. The ranking highlights universities that recruiters at top companies believe best prepare students for the workplace.

“We are dedicated to infusing professional development and real-world experiences into our curriculum to be certain Spartans are ready to make an impact immediately upon graduation,” said Karin Hanson, director of the MSU Career Services Network. “Our strategic model allows for career services to be adapted by academic programs based on current industry expectations and then infused across campus where they are accessible to all students, no matter their field of study.”

MSU boasts a 93% placement rate for bachelor’s degree graduates within six months of graduation. More than 60% of graduates are employed in Michigan. The MSU community includes more than 12,000 faculty and academic and support staff in addition to an alumni network of nearly half a million people.

“MSU not only provided a world-class education but also fostered an environment rich with resources and exposure to career-shaping experiences,” said Rochisshil Varma, who begin a career at Microsoft after graduating from the College of Engineering on Dec. 14. “My courses emphasized real-world applications, combining technical expertise with business acumen — skills I’m excited to apply at Microsoft. I also had opportunities to develop leadership skills through involvement in student organizations and hands-on projects, further preparing me for the challenges ahead.”

The key employability drivers in the ranking are:

• Work expertise: The specialized knowledge and practical skills relevant to the specific job or industry.
• Graduate skills: Foundational skills like critical thinking, communication and problem-solving, typically developed during academic studies.
• Digital mindset: The ability to engage with and leverage technology, from basic tools to advanced digital solutions, and adapt to digital transformations in the workplace.
• Internationality: The ability to work across cultures, adapt to global environments and leverage diverse perspectives in a globalized workforce.
• Specialization: Deep expertise in a specific area or field, often developed through higher education, professional development or industry experience.
• Academic excellence: High academic performance, which reflects an individual’s ability to apply knowledge and perform effectively in academic settings.

“We earnestly believe that every student admitted to MSU has the capacity to learn, thrive and graduate, and we are committed to supporting every student to the best of our ability to do just that,” said Mark Largent, vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Education at MSU.

The university is also ranked in the top 10 nationally among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report for learning communities, education abroad and service-learning. MSU has nine No. 1-ranked programs and concentrations including being No. 1 in the nation for 30 straight years for graduate programs in elementary and secondary education.