MSU ranks in top 2% globally for sustainability

In the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds, or QS, World University Rankings: Sustainability, Michigan State University ranks No. 35 globally among 1,994 participating institutions and No. 6 nationally, positioning MSU within the top 2% worldwide.

Now in its fourth year, the QS Sustainability Rankings assess how well universities are addressing some of the world’s most significant environmental, social and governance challenges.

“This ranking is a testament to the impact Spartans make every day,” said Executive Vice President for Administration, or EVPA, Vennie Gore. “By continuing to excel in an ever-changing environment, MSU is not only demonstrating what it means to be Spartan green but also deepening our commitment to social responsibility and the world around us.”

MSU also ranks in the top five schools globally for knowledge exchange, a key performance indicator that evaluates how institutions collaborate in research, share expertise and foster educational growth. The university prioritizes this locally through MSU Extension, which delivers nearly 13,000 educational programs, engaging more than 432,000 people across all 83 Michigan counties in programming that directly addresses several sustainability challenges.

In addition, this ranking highlights MSU’s excellence in sustainability-focused research, programs and events that respond to local and global needs. The university builds partnerships that turn ideas into action for the public good — such as the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, the Conservation Stewards Program, alongside collaborative initiatives like the Mass Timber Catalyst Program, Asia Hub and the Industrial Training and Assessment Center — helping communities apply MSU expertise to real-world challenges.

Recently, the Office of the EVPA, in partnership with the MSU Office of Sustainability, has launched the Sustainability Systems Think Tank, or SSTT — a cross-functional team charged with providing thought leadership and developing a comprehensive framework to guide campus sustainability efforts. The 12-month initiative will:

• Shape long-term program direction by prioritizing policies and practices that position MSU as an institution for sustainability teaching, research and operations.
• Engage key stakeholders and informants through one-on-one conversations to capture diverse perspectives on sustainability at the university and the MSU Office of Sustainability.
• Gather broad community input from students, faculty and staff. The SSTT has already engaged over 2,000 people in this collaborative effort.

“As a Spartan, it is incredibly rewarding to see the hard work of so many dedicated scholars, staff and students recognized worldwide in this ranking,” said Laura Young, assistant director of sustainability for MSU’s Office of Sustainability, “and as Spartans, there’s nothing more motivating than to build on success — what more can we do in the future?”

MSU’s commitment to sustainability is also underscored by numerous initiatives that continue to position the university as a dynamic living laboratory. These efforts — from piloting artificial intelligence systems to sort food waste, implementing new policies and stewarding the natural campus environment to upgrading the university’s microgrid system and anaerobic digester that helps power campus — demonstrate how Spartans are advancing global solutions for a resilient, just and sustainable future.

Learn more about sustainability efforts at MSU.