Capitol News

Michigan State University (MSU) has been ranked among the top 25 universities globally for sustainability by the Times Higher Education 2024 Impact Rankings. The rankings assess how well universities are meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MSU is positioned at No. 3 in the United States and No. 25 worldwide.

MSU stands out as the only university from Michigan and the Big Ten to make it into the global top 25.

“MSU’s impact advancing sustainability and addressing the grand challenges of our time is one reason we stand as a leading global public research university,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “As one of our strategic priorities, climate solutions engage more than 500 faculty researchers as well as every one of our colleges and community programs. This is an incredible achievement for our campus and truly shows what it means to be Spartan green.”

In its fourth year of participation, MSU has improved its ranking significantly, moving from over 100 to breaking into the top 25. The Times Higher Education evaluates universities across four broad areas: research, outreach, stewardship, and teaching. The 2024 edition marks the sixth year of these rankings with participation from over 1,900 universities.

“Each year, as more schools worldwide join the competition, the rankings become increasingly competitive. MSU is well positioned to remain at the forefront, provided we continually challenge ourselves and enhance our sustainable practices,” said Thomas Glasmacher, interim executive vice president of administration. “Our current efforts will need to evolve, and we must strive for even greater achievements. Every Spartan is crucial in fostering a culture that drives us toward a sustainable future. As MSU climbs higher in these rankings, our impact on the world grows, benefiting everyone.”

Apart from its overall position, MSU also ranks highly in specific areas:

- No. 5 globally and No. 2 in the U.S. for Sustainable Cities and Communities

- No. 8 globally and No. 2 in the U.S. for Zero Hunger

- No. 23 globally and No. 2 in the U.S. for Life on Land

- No. 34 globally and No. 4 in the U.S. for Partnership for the Goals

“The THE Impact Rankings showcase how higher education supports sustainable development efforts through knowledge generation, education and outreach and stewardship,” said Laura Young, sustainability manager in MSU’s Office of Sustainability.

The methodology used by Times Higher Education for these rankings can be found on their website.

Further information about MSU's initiatives towards a sustainable future is available on their Climate Solutions website.