
Michigan State University is a popular choice for international students, with the university reporting approximately 4,540 international students on campus in 2020, out of a total of 49,695 students. The university has seen fluctuations in its ranking and admission rates, but its ability to attract international students reflects its strategic importance in education. MSU has been recognised for its commitment to student success, with improving graduation rates and stable retention figures. The university has also been ranked highly for providing a quality educational experience to international students, especially those from China, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
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What You'll Learn
- Michigan State University has around 4,540 international students
- The university ranks 16th for popularity with international students
- The most popular degrees for international students are business, public relations, and economics
- MSU has a diverse student body, with students from 138 countries
- The university has a strong reputation for providing a quality educational experience to international students

Michigan State University has around 4,540 international students
Michigan State University (MSU) is a popular destination for international students, with around 4,540 international students choosing to study there. This number places Michigan State as 16th out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students. The university's international student body is diverse, with students from 138 countries worldwide. The top five countries outside of North America from which international students originate are China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan. Notably, MSU once enrolled the highest number of Chinese international students in the US.
MSU's ability to attract international students reflects its strategic importance in education and professional training. The university offers a range of popular degree programs for international students, including Business Administration and Management, Public Relations and Advertising, and Economics. The institution's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and providing a quality educational experience contributes to its appeal for students from around the world.
MSU has earned recognition for its dedication to student success, as reflected in its improvement in graduation rates and stable retention figures. The university's ranking has also improved in recent years, rising to 60th in 2024 and remaining competitive at 63rd in 2025. MSU's reputation for academic excellence and its focus on enhancing educational outcomes attract international students seeking a well-rounded and valuable educational experience.
The university's global outlook is further demonstrated by its involvement in collaborative programs worldwide. Notably, during the fall of Kabul in 2021, MSU facilitated the evacuation of staff, scholars, and students associated with the MSU-USAID collaborative program in Afghanistan. MSU's response exemplified its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its international community members during times of crisis.
In summary, Michigan State University's approximately 4,540 international students contribute to a diverse and vibrant campus community. The university's popularity among international students can be attributed to its academic reputation, inclusive environment, and dedication to student success. MSU's global initiatives and rankings further emphasize its appeal as a destination for students seeking a world-class education.
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The university ranks 16th for popularity with international students
Michigan State University is a popular destination for international students. In 2020, the university was home to approximately 4,540 international students, with 2,656 of them being undergraduates. This number accounts for around 9.1% of the total student population at Michigan State University, which stands at 49,695, with 38,491 of those being undergraduates.
The university's popularity with international students is further emphasised by its ranking. College Factual ranks Michigan State 16th out of 1,279 colleges and universities for its appeal to international students. This ranking places Michigan State in the top 1.25% of all ranked colleges and universities in terms of international student popularity.
In addition to its overall popularity with international students, Michigan State is also a top choice for students from specific countries. Notably, the university is ranked 9th out of 1,079 colleges and universities for popularity with students from China. In 2020, Michigan State was home to approximately 2,924 Chinese students, making up around 73% of the international student population at the university.
The university's popularity with international students can be attributed to various factors. One reason may be its strong academic reputation, with Michigan State offering a range of highly ranked programmes and concentrations. The university also provides a diverse range of resources and support services, which can be particularly attractive to international students. Furthermore, Michigan State has a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, with a notable number of international students on campus, contributing to a vibrant and global campus community.
Overall, Michigan State University's ranking of 16th for popularity with international students highlights its appeal to a global student body. The university's academic offerings, resources, and inclusive atmosphere all contribute to its reputation as a top choice for students from around the world.
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The most popular degrees for international students are business, public relations, and economics
Michigan State University is a popular choice for international students, with a total of 4,540 international students on campus, out of which 2,656 are undergraduates. The university ranks 16th out of 1,279 colleges for its popularity with international students. The university is particularly favoured by Chinese students, with approximately 2,924 Chinese students choosing to study there in 2020.
The most popular degrees for international students at Michigan State University are business, public relations, and economics. Business Administration and Management is the most popular course, with 549 students enrolled. Other popular courses include Public Relations and Advertising, and Economics.
The university also offers a range of other well-liked courses, including Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Communication, Journalism, Engineering, Social Sciences, Psychology, Computer and Information Sciences, and Health Professions. These courses contribute to the diverse academic landscape of the university, catering to a wide range of student interests and career aspirations.
In addition to its academic offerings, Michigan State University provides a supportive and inclusive environment for international students. The university is committed to creating a vibrant global campus community, fostering partnerships and collaborations worldwide. This global mindset extends beyond the campus, as evidenced by the university's initiatives to advance understanding, develop applications, and provide research opportunities for students and scientists from across the globe.
With its diverse student body, highly ranked academic programmes, and dedication to global engagement, Michigan State University offers a compelling choice for international students seeking a holistic educational experience.
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MSU has a diverse student body, with students from 138 countries
Michigan State University (MSU) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for its students. With a global outlook, the university attracts students from all over the world, creating a vibrant and dynamic campus community. MSU's student body is a melting pot of cultures, with a presence from 138 countries, making it a truly international institution.
In recent years, MSU has seen a significant increase in its international student population, with approximately 5,660 international students enrolling in the fall of 2019. This diverse group of students brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences to the campus, enriching the educational experience for all. The university ranks highly for its popularity with international students, with College Factual ranking it 16th out of 1,279 colleges and universities. MSU is particularly attractive to students from China, with around 2,924 Chinese students choosing to study there in 2020, making it the 9th most popular US university for Chinese students.
MSU's international appeal extends beyond its student body. The university has established partnerships and collaborations around the world, including the MSU-USAID collaborative program in Afghanistan. During the fall of Kabul in 2021, MSU played a crucial role in facilitating the evacuation of over 70 staff, scholars, and their families, demonstrating its commitment to global engagement and support.
The university's dedication to diversity and inclusion is also evident in its efforts to foster a gender-balanced student population. Overall, MSU's student body is composed of 52% female and 48% male students, with female students slightly outnumbering male students in graduate categories. This gender balance contributes to a more inclusive and representative campus community.
MSU's diverse student body is a testament to its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. With students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities, MSU creates a global learning environment that prepares its students for a diverse and interconnected world. The university's international focus not only enhances the educational experience but also contributes to its reputation as a globally-minded institution.
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The university has a strong reputation for providing a quality educational experience to international students
Michigan State University has a strong reputation for providing a quality educational experience to international students. The university is ranked 31st out of 1,232 colleges and universities for its ability to provide a quality educational experience to international students. The university's ranking has improved in recent years, rising from 85th in 2019 to 60th in 2024. This improvement reflects the university's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and maintaining its standing in the face of increasing competition.
MSU offers a wide range of academic programs that attract international students. The most popular degrees among international students include Business Administration & Management, Public Relations & Advertising, and Economics. The university also has a significant number of international students enrolled in graduate programs, particularly in the professional health and legal fields. For example, in 2023, there were 275 graduates in the Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine program and 231 in the Law program.
MSU's international student body is diverse, with students coming from 138 countries. In the fall of 2019, the university had 5,660 international students enrolled, with the top five countries outside North America being China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan. MSU also has a strong study abroad program, with 2,805 total students participating in the 2017-2018 academic year, including students from 42 states and 13 countries.
The university provides a variety of resources and support services to its international students. For example, the university offers a student-run newspaper, The State News, and a literary digest, the Red Cedar Review, which provide opportunities for students to share their experiences and connect with one another. Additionally, MSU has a vast alumni network of nearly half a million individuals who can offer guidance and support to current international students.
MSU's commitment to providing a quality educational experience to international students is further demonstrated by its global initiatives and recognition. The university has partnerships around the world, including a collaborative program in Afghanistan, and its faculty and programs are recognised internationally for their excellence. MSU has earned global accolades, including being ranked 25th in the world and 3rd in the United States for its progress toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2020, there were approximately 4,540 international students at Michigan State University, out of a total of 49,695 students.
College Factual ranks Michigan State 16th out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students.
The most popular degrees at Michigan State University for international students are Business Administration & Management, Public Relations & Advertising, and Economics.
International students at Michigan State University come from 138 countries outside of North America, with the top five countries being China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan.
In 2025, Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed Michigan State University 122nd in the world.











































