MSU ranks No. 2 in nation for sustainability impact by Times Higher Education

Michigan State University has once again been recognized among the nation’s leaders in sustainability, ranking No. 2 among U.S. institutions in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings, a global assessment of how universities are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs.

MSU is also ranked No. 80 globally among 1,603 institutions from 116 countries evaluated in this year’s rankings. The university remains the highest-ranked participating institution in the Big Ten and ranks No. 2 among participating Association of American Universities institutions. The 2026 rankings mark the third time in the past four years that MSU has ranked second nationally.

“MSU’s long-standing commitment to advancing sustainability through research, education and community engagement is reflected in our strong performance in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “Our faculty, staff and students are hard at work every day to advance solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges — from food security and environmental stewardship to healthy communities and economic opportunity. As a global public research university, we are proud to see those efforts recognized year after year as a standout among our peers.”

The Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings evaluate universities based on their contributions to the SDGs through research, teaching, stewardship and community engagement. Now in its eighth year, the rankings measure how institutions are helping address global challenges ranging from hunger and health to climate action and sustainable development.

“This recognition reflects the strength of Michigan State’s applied research and community partnerships in advancing sustainability,” said Laura Young, assistant director of Sustainability at MSU. “By connecting research, education and engagement with the needs of communities, we are able to develop practical solutions that help communities and ecosystems thrive while continually raising the bar for our collective impact.”

In addition to its overall ranking, MSU earned top U.S. rankings in four individual SDGs:

• No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 10 globally for Sustainable Cities and Communities — Measures institutions’ research on sustainability, stewardship of arts and heritage, and approaches to sustainable transportation and land-use planning.
  
• No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 28 globally for Life on Land — Evaluates universities’ research, education and support for terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity
  
• No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 41 globally for Zero Hunger — Examines research related to hunger, food sustainability initiatives, and efforts to reduce food insecurity and food waste.
  
• No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 58 globally for Partnership for the Goals — Assesses how universities collaborate with governments, nonprofit organizations and international partners to advance the SDGs through research, reporting and education.

Learn more about MSU’s sustainability initiatives and climate solutions efforts.