Times Higher Education places MSU in top 5% of universities  

Times Higher Education has released its 2026 World University rankings, placing MSU in the top 5% of institutions worldwide.

The rank of 105 out of 2,191 institutions, is a jump of 17 from last year’s ranking and the highest in four years. Among the 171 colleges and universities ranked in the United States, MSU’s standing improved by four — to No. 38.

“This is another proud moment for Michigan State as a passionately public, global research university,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “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 jump in rankings for this year is attributed primarily to an increase in scoring on the faculty reputational survey, which accounts for 33% of the overall ranking.

The Times Higher Education ranking methodology has been the same for the last three years and includes 17 metrics across five categories.

MSU’s worldwide rank of No. 105 places the university at No. 10 among the 18 Big Ten institutions, an improvement of three places. Five Big Ten universities improved in rank an average of seven places. MSU’s jump from No. 122 to No. 105 was the largest.

Times Higher Education is one of four major global rankings.

Other recent notable MSU rankings:

• MSU boasts 6 undergraduate programs among best in nation

• MSU ranked highly for research, affordability by Washington Monthly

• MSU graduate programs earn several No. 1 and top 10 rankings by U.S. News & World Report