Michigan State University has secured high national rankings for six of its undergraduate programs in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges list. The university also maintained its position as a leading public institution, ranking 29th among public universities and 64th overall in the nation.
The report highlights MSU's continued excellence, particularly in its business programs, with the supply chain management program earning the top spot in the country for the 15th consecutive year. This marks the third straight year MSU has been ranked among the top 30 public universities nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- MSU's supply chain management program is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the 15th year in a row.
- The university is ranked 29th among public institutions and 64th overall nationally.
- Six undergraduate programs, primarily within the Broad College of Business, received top-25 national rankings.
- MSU also achieved top-10 rankings for student engagement programs, including service learning and education abroad.
Consistent Leadership in Supply Chain Management
For the 15th consecutive year, Michigan State University's undergraduate program in supply chain management has been recognized as the best in the United States. This consistent top ranking applies to both public and private institutions, cementing MSU's status as a leader in the field.
Supply chain management involves overseeing the entire process of getting a product or service to consumers, from sourcing raw materials to final delivery. The sustained success of MSU's program reflects its robust curriculum, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections that prepare students for complex global logistics challenges.
What is the U.S. News & World Report Ranking?
The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges ranking is an influential annual publication that evaluates nearly 1,500 four-year bachelor's degree-granting institutions in the United States. It uses a variety of metrics, including graduation rates, faculty resources, and expert opinion, to assess academic quality.
Broad College of Business Programs Among Nation's Best
The Eli and Edythe L. Broad College of Business at MSU saw several of its programs achieve high national placements. Beyond the top-ranked supply chain program, five other undergraduate disciplines were listed among the country's elite. This widespread recognition underscores the overall strength and quality of the business school.
David Souder, the Eli and Edythe L. Broad Dean of the Broad College of Business, commented on the achievement in a news release. He emphasized the collaborative effort behind the rankings.
"Broad’s prominence in national rankings represents important milestones along our journey toward the college’s vision for excellence. They reflect how Broad Spartans work together to generate ideas, experiences, and connections that make a lasting impact on students, businesses, and society worldwide."
Detailed Rankings for MSU Business Programs
The report provided specific rankings for several key business areas, highlighting MSU's competitive standing among both public and private universities. The following programs were recognized for their excellence:
- Production/Operations: Ranked No. 7 overall and No. 4 among public institutions.
- Management: Ranked No. 16 overall and No. 10 among public institutions.
- International Business: Ranked No. 21 overall and No. 9 among public institutions.
- Accounting: Ranked No. 22 overall and No. 13 among public institutions.
- Undergraduate Business (Overall): Ranked No. 24 overall and No. 14 among public institutions.
These rankings place MSU's business college in the top tier of institutions, demonstrating its comprehensive strength across multiple disciplines critical to the modern economy.
University-Wide Recognition and Student Success
MSU's overall ranking as 29th among public universities and 64th nationally reflects its broad academic quality and commitment to student outcomes. University leadership pointed to these results as evidence of a successful educational mission.
In a statement, MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz connected the rankings to the university's core purpose.
"Providing students a transformative education and equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape is at the heart of what we do here at Michigan State. These rankings are a testament to our outstanding faculty and staff who continue to expand opportunities for student success."
MSU Rankings at a Glance
- Overall National Rank: 64th
- Public University Rank: 29th
- Top Program: No. 1 in Supply Chain Management
- Top-25 Programs: 6
Excellence in Student Engagement
In addition to academic program rankings, U.S. News & World Report also evaluates universities on specific student engagement initiatives. Michigan State University was recognized as a national leader in three categories that focus on high-impact educational experiences.
These programs are designed to provide students with practical, hands-on learning opportunities that enhance their classroom education. MSU's high rankings in these areas suggest a strong institutional focus on holistic student development.
Top Rankings in Engagement Categories:
- Learning Communities: Ranked No. 4 overall and No. 2 among public institutions. These programs group students together in common courses or residence halls to foster a stronger sense of community and collaborative learning.
- Service Learning: Ranked No. 6 overall and No. 1 among public institutions. This highlights MSU's leadership in integrating community service with academic instruction, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
- Education Abroad: Ranked No. 10 overall and No. 1 among public institutions. This top ranking reflects the quality and breadth of MSU's international study programs, which provide students with global perspectives and cross-cultural skills.
The strong performance in these categories indicates that MSU provides an environment that not only excels in traditional academics but also offers transformative experiences that contribute to personal and professional growth.
