The annual rankings, conducted by Times Higher Education magazine, grouped MSU in with schools ranked 61 to 70. This rank is up from last year’s, when MSU came in between 71 and 80. The magazine doesn’t individually rank schools that fall below the top 50.
The University of Michigan ranked higher on the list, but dropped three spots from last year and landed at 15.
The rankings this year come from the compilation of 10,536 invitation-only poll responses from a diverse population of academics who reported an average of 18 years working in higher education.
“As one of the world’s top universities, we compete with the best in many areas of research and academics,” MSU spokesman Kent Cassella said . “While we are pleased to see MSU’s improve ment in these rankings, it is important to note rankings are only one indication of an institution’s reputation. The success of our graduates and their experiences at MSU are a far better measure of the quality of our programs.”
Many factors could have affected the jump in ranking, including increased international involvement, said Peter Briggs, director of the Office for International Students and Scholars.
“MSU is among the national leaders in study abroad programs both quantitatively and qualitatively,” Briggs said. “Not to mention cross cultural education. If they (pollsters) see the sheer numbers of our programs, that alone speaks a pretty good story.”
Phil Baty, editor for Times Higher Education World Rankings, said in a statement that although higher education funding has seen cuts, top-ranking U.S. universities still outnumber those from other countries.
“When it comes to the planet’s most prestigious universities, the U.S. is the undisputed champion of the world - its dominance is quite extraordinary,” Baty said in the statement. “It is remarkable that the U.S. has strengthened its dominance during a time of austerity, when leading Asian universities have benefited from generous funding and powerful government-backed campaigns.”
Although subjective polling might not be the only indication of MSU’s reputation, maintaining a good one affects many areas of the university - including international student applications, partnerships and morale for alumni and donors.
“One place the rankings might take effect is with international students,” said Stephanie Motschenbacher, director of marketing and communications for University Advancement. “Rankings are important to them, they look at and want to go to highly-ranked American schools. I don’t think it drives donations, but rankings can be a pride point for donors and alumni.”
Interim Dean for International Studies and Programs Steven Hanson said reputations can greatly influence universities from other countries when they look to partner with U.S. universities.
“As our rankings go up, we are in a better position to compete and partner with other universities,” Hanson said. “When that happens, it increases opportunity for faculty to collaborate with the best scientists in the world, increases the quality of international students and study here also could elevate opportunities for Michigan students.”
