In the World’s Top Universities 2026 published by Time, in partnership with Statista R, Michigan State University is ranked No. 85 among the world’s top 100 institutions, No. 36 among U.S. institutions and No. 14 among U.S. public universities. MSU is ranked No. 8 among the 18 Big Ten universities.
“This ranking affirms Michigan State University’s commitment to delivering a world-class education that is both affordable and accessible,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “The one-team philosophy guides everything we do. From the faculty who teach and mentor our students, to the staff who support them and the alumni who continue to give back, this recognition reflects the collective excellence that defines MSU.”
Time’s ranking methodology collects data across three central pillars of higher education institutions:
“MSU’s ranking, as determined by the methodology’s emphasis on academic capacity and performance, innovation and economic impact and global engagement, reflects the breadth and depth of MSU’s scholarly strengths and contributions,” said MSU Provost Laura Lee McIntyre. “Our interconnected commitments to our teaching, research and outreach missions continue to advance the success of the university while contributing to the greater good.”
Other recent notable MSU rankings: