Michigan State University logo

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

"Spartans Will."

Wikipedia
1855
Founded
Public, land-grant, research university
Type
40,243
Total Students
41,415
Undergrad
10,423
Graduate
$4.6B
Endowment
(2025)
$16K
Tuition (In-State)
$43K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
84%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Graduation Rate
6-year
91%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Michigan State University

Pioneering land-grant university, driving research and innovation as a Public Ivy.

Michigan State University stands as a beacon of public higher education, a vibrant R1 research institution renowned for its "very high research activity" and status as a "Public Ivy." From its origins as the nation's first agricultural college, MSU has evolved into a global leader, pioneering diverse fields such as music therapy, packaging, hospitality business, supply chain management, and communication sciences. With a commitment to interdisciplinary learning, MSU prepares over 51,000 students to become well-informed citizens and innovators ready to tackle the world's challenges.

Founded on February 12, 1855, as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, MSU holds the distinction of being the first land-grant institution in the U.S. following the Morrill Act of 1862. This historical commitment to accessible, practical education continues to define its mission. The university embraced coeducation in 1870 and underwent significant expansion, particularly after World War II under President John A. Hannah, transforming into a comprehensive research university that continues to set the standard for land-grant institutions globally.

Students at MSU benefit from a rich academic environment, bolstered by esteemed professional schools like the Eli Broad College of Business, the College of Law, and the world's first publicly funded College of Osteopathic Medicine. Beyond academics, the vibrant campus in East Lansing offers a dynamic student experience, featuring state-of-the-art facilities like the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, and a sprawling residence hall system. As a proud member of the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, MSU's "Spartans Will" spirit is evident in its nationally recognized athletic programs, fostering a strong sense of community and pride among its over 550,500 alumni.

Key Highlights

  • Established February 12, 1855, as the nation's first agricultural college.
  • Designated the first land-grant institution in the U.S. in 1863.
  • Recognized as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" and a Public Ivy institution.
  • Ranked among the world's top 100 institutions by Time magazine.
  • Pioneered studies in music therapy, packaging, hospitality business, supply chain management, and communication sciences.
  • Boasts an endowment of $4.6 billion (2025) and serves over 51,838 students (Spring 2026).
  • Alumni and affiliates include 1 Nobel laureate, 20 Rhodes Scholars, 20 Marshall Scholars, and 8 Pulitzer Prize winners.

Timeline

1855
Founded as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, the nation's first.
1857
Classes officially began with three buildings, five faculty, and 63 students.
1861
Renamed State Agricultural College; its first class graduated, and the power to grant master's degrees was restored.
1863
Designated the nation's first land-grant college under the Morrill Act.
1870
Admitted women for the first time, becoming coeducational.
1925
Renamed Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science, reflecting curriculum expansion.
1941
John A. Hannah became president, initiating the largest expansion in the institution's history.
1955
Officially designated Michigan State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, marking its centennial.
2005
President Lou Anna Simon called for MSU to become the global model leader for land-grant institutions by 2012.
2020
Michigan State University College of Law fully integrated into the university, transitioning from private to public.
🏛️
171 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Michigan State University

⚖️

Michigan State University College of Law

Founded in 1891 (as Detroit College of Law) and moved to East Lansing in 1995, fully integrating into the university by 2020. It houses the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute.

💼

Eli Broad College of Business

Offers programs in diverse areas including accounting, finance, and supply chain management. Its graduate school was ranked 35th nationally in 2012 by Businessweek magazine.

💉

College of Nursing

Established in 1950, it offers B.S.N., M.S.N., DNP, and PhD degrees, and has trained over 6,000 nurses focusing on research, education, and practice.

🏥

College of Osteopathic Medicine

The world's first publicly funded college of osteopathic medicine, it has a strong tradition of retaining graduates to practice in Michigan and was ranked tied for 12th nationally for primary care in 2016.

🏥

College of Human Medicine

Graduates students with an M.D. degree and operates across seven campuses in Michigan, affiliated with local hospitals and medical facilities. It was ranked 70th nationally for primary care in 2016.

🏥

College of Veterinary Medicine

Formally established in 1910, it was ranked No. 9 in the nation in 2011 and includes a large veterinary teaching hospital and extensive research facilities.

Find Scholarships at Michigan State University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search