44 Interesting Facts about Michigan State University

Dan March 31, 2023

Michigan State University (MSU) is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. Founded in 1855, it is one of the largest universities in the United States and has a long history of academic excellence and research innovation. MSU is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified as a “very high research activity” university by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

MSU offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. The university is well-known for its programs in agriculture, business, engineering, and education, among others. MSU also has a strong commitment to international education, with over 275 programs in more than 60 countries.

MSU is home to a diverse student body, with students from all 50 U.S. states and over 130 countries. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1 and an average class size of 26 students, which allows for personalized attention and individualized support. MSU has a strong tradition of student involvement, with over 900 student organizations and clubs on campus.

MSU has a long history of research innovation and is known for its groundbreaking discoveries in fields such as agriculture, medicine, and materials science. The university is home to more than 100 research centers and institutes, including the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, the Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research, and the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. MSU researchers have made significant contributions to fields such as genetics, plant science, and environmental sustainability.

What about Michigan State University interesting facts? Let’s take a look at these 44 interesting facts about Michigan State University.

1. Michigan State University was founded in 1855, making it one of the oldest universities in the United States.
2. MSU is the largest university in the state of Michigan by enrollment, with over 50,000 students.
3. The university is known as the “Spartans” and the school colors are green and white.
4. The MSU campus is spread across 5,200 acres, making it one of the largest campuses in the country.
5. The university is a member of the Big Ten Conference in athletics.
6. MSU’s athletic teams have won numerous national championships, including multiple championships in basketball, football, and ice hockey.
7. The MSU marching band, known as the Spartan Marching Band, is one of the largest and most recognized marching bands in the country.
8. The university has produced multiple Olympic athletes, including gold medalist swimmer Ryan Lochte and bronze medalist wrestler Franklin Gomez.
9. MSU has a strong commitment to sustainability and was the first university in the world to have an on-campus anaerobic digester, which converts organic waste into renewable energy.
10. MSU has one of the largest study abroad programs in the country, with over 2,500 students studying abroad each year.
11. The university has a strong commitment to research and innovation, with over $700 million in research expenditures in 2020.
12. MSU is home to the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, which is one of the most advanced nuclear physics research facilities in the world.
13. The university is a leader in plant science research, with the MSU Plant Research Laboratory being one of the most advanced research centers in the world.
14. MSU is also a leader in veterinary medicine research, with the College of Veterinary Medicine being ranked #1 in the country for research productivity.
15. The university has a strong commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, with numerous programs and resources for students and faculty to start their own businesses.
16. MSU is home to the Eli Broad College of Business, which is consistently ranked as one of the top business schools in the country.
17. The university is also known for its strong programs in education, with the College of Education consistently ranked as one of the top education schools in the country.
18. MSU has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with over 20% of the student body being international students and over 25% of the student body being students of color.
19. The university has a robust Greek life community, with over 60 fraternities and sororities on campus.
20. The university has a strong commitment to community service, with over 10,000 students participating in community service each year.
21. MSU is home to the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, which is one of the largest performing arts venues in the country.
22. MSU has a strong commitment to public health and wellness, with the MSU Health Team providing comprehensive health services to students, faculty, and staff.
23. The university is home to the MSU Museum, which is one of the largest natural history museums in the country.
24. MSU has a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion, with numerous resources and accommodations for students with disabilities.
25. The university is home to the MSU Libraries, which is one of the largest academic research library systems in the world, with over 6.5 million volumes.
26. MSU is home to the Broad Art Museum, which is an internationally recognized contemporary art museum.
27. The university is a leader in alternative energy research, with numerous programs and initiatives focused on renewable energy and sustainability.
28. MSU is also known for its strong programs in communication and media studies, with the College of Communication Arts and Sciences consistently ranked as one of the top communication schools in the country.
29. The university has a strong commitment to public policy and governance, with the James Madison College being one of the top public affairs schools in the country.
30. MSU has a strong commitment to global engagement and diplomacy, with numerous programs and initiatives focused on international affairs and diplomacy.
31. The university is home to the MSU Innovation Center, which provides resources and support for startups and entrepreneurs.
32. MSU has a strong commitment to animal welfare, with the university being a leader in animal behavior research and veterinary medicine.
33. The university is home to the MSU Dairy Store, which is a popular campus destination for ice cream and dairy products.
34. MSU is a leader in online education, with numerous online degree programs and courses available to students around the world.
35. The university has a strong commitment to military veterans, with numerous resources and support programs for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
36. MSU has a strong commitment to student success, with a robust network of academic support services and resources available to students.
37. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and conservation, with numerous initiatives focused on reducing waste and promoting environmental stewardship.
38. MSU is a leader in food and agriculture research, with the university being one of the top agricultural research institutions in the world.
39. The university has a strong commitment to social entrepreneurship, with numerous programs and initiatives focused on promoting social change and innovation.
40. MSU is home to the MSU Federal Credit Union, which is one of the largest university-affiliated credit unions in the world.
41. The university has a strong commitment to student leadership and development, with numerous leadership programs and opportunities available to students.
42. MSU is home to the Spartan Innovations program, which provides support and resources for startups and entrepreneurs.
43. The university has a strong commitment to the arts and humanities, with numerous programs and initiatives focused on promoting cultural and artistic expression.
44. MSU is a leader in environmental and natural resource management, with the university being one of the top institutions in the country for environmental research and conservation.

Michigan State University is a diverse and dynamic institution with a rich history of academic excellence, innovative research, and commitment to public service. Its world-renowned faculty, top-ranked programs, and exceptional facilities have established it as a leading institution of higher learning, not only in Michigan but also throughout the world. From its pioneering research in agriculture and natural resources to its groundbreaking work in medicine and technology, MSU is at the forefront of innovation and discovery. With a vibrant and inclusive community of students, faculty, and staff, MSU offers a unique educational experience that prepares students to succeed in an ever-changing global society. The university’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and public engagement ensures that it will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of Michigan, the United States, and the world.