Michigan State University (MSU)

Michigan State University makes the most of its size, with students impressed by the “amount of resources available,” including “great…women’s student services,” and the “variety of courses…there’s something for everyone here” with more than 400 academic programs and 300 study abroad options. MSU may be big, but students feel seen, citing challenging and “creative and hands-on” classes in which “curiosity is encouraged, ideas are valued, and learning feels connected to something bigger.” In the classroom, teachers use a wide range of pedagogical methods to keep students engaged, including “fieldwork, peer presentations, and discussions that connect what we learn to current events,” and “many courses have a ‘flipped format,’ allowing more opportunities for students to ask questions in class.” Classes also incorporate modern technology like “online learning platforms, adaptive testing tools, and virtual tutoring systems that personalize instruction for students.” According to one biochemistry major, “MSU’s emphasis on active learning and real-world application makes the academic experience feel dynamic and meaningful.” Students largely attribute this to how “professors and TAs put so much effort into making the learning experience enjoyable and worthwhile.” They are “very helpful, especially with office hours and help room, always doing their best to make you succeed.” Spartans generally concur that the staff is the heart of the school, as they “genuinely care and want to see you succeed. They do their best to send various opportunities and foster connections with important figures in your field.” Small surprise, then, that some students describe their time at MSU as “not just about earning a degree, but about discovering what I’m passionate about and how I want to make an impact after graduation.”

With so many students, MSU’s East Lansing campus “is pretty diverse, with people from all of Michigan and around the world,” and the variety of backgrounds creates a “very inclusive environment that supports getting a hard-earned education.” This student body potpourri “makes campus life vibrant and eye-opening,” populated by individuals who “are passionate not only about academics but also about making a difference through research, leadership, creative expression, and community involvement.” While the size of the school can be daunting at first, most say that “no matter where you came from, what you believe in, or what your hobbies are, there is a group that feels the same.” Another reinforces that “it can take time to find your place, but once you do, those smaller communities feel supportive and connected, and you still get that shared Spartan pride.”

MSU’s verdant 5,200-acre campus has “great accessibility with sidewalks and walking paths,” and “a lot of people run or just go for walks.” Students “really appreciate the effort MSU puts into making sure students stay safe and healthy.” For instance, one student remarks that the “food in the dining halls is exceptional.” Another adds, “We have so many places, including the arboretum, that are amazing spaces to get outside and just breathe.” As a Division I school with 23 varsity teams, “sports are a big part of the culture here.” Students say that “going out to tailgates with friends beforehand is a great experience,” and “team spirit is very present, with people yelling ‘Go Green’ and ‘Go White.’” Students say they’ve “learned so much from other perspectives” at Round Table discussions offered by the Mutual Respect, Understanding, Learning, & Empathy program, they’ve “had the opportunity to experience new things while on campus for free” through the University Activities Board, and have found “different ways to grow and make an impact” through work on the President’s Advisory Council. In short, “There is always something happening on campus, and those moments remind me of the pride and energy that come with being a Spartan.”

Michigan State University’s Career Services Network (CSN) provides extensive support to students as they explore majors and prepare for the future. CSN connects students with career advisors, offering personalized guidance with choosing a major, preparing résumés and cover letters, practicing interview strategies, and navigating job or internship searches. One student remarks, “The greatest strength of Michigan State University for undergraduate students is their career services network, which is exceptional.” Students can schedule one-on-one advising sessions with “great advisors” who, as one student says, “[have helped] me follow my goals, find internships and a career choice I am happy with.” Through CSN, students can also access career assessments and Handshake, MSU’s career platform, where students can explore thousands of job and internship postings and register for any of the 25+ career fairs MSU holds annually. One student shares that “Big companies frequently visit MSU to give speeches and recruit students for employment or internships, offering them a head start on their careers.” Students appreciate that “there is a lot of help available when it comes to figuring out your future career and getting internships.” Additional resources include tools to explore career fields by major, networking tips, free professional attire and headshots to prepare for interviews, and guidance on using LinkedIn and other career platforms effectively. MSI is very proud of its worldwide alumni network. “It is very clear that Spartans helping Spartans is real. MSU alumni are often help[ing] others find jobs, network within a field, supply scholarships, and empower other Spartans in so many ways,” says one undergrad. One satisfied student adds, “There are a lot of opportunities for networking and career building. The school does as much as possible to provide students and graduates with opportunities to work immediately after graduating.” According to PayScale.com’s reporting, the median early-career salary for MSU graduates is $70,300, with 25 percent entering STEM fields.