Profile

Michigan State University, founded in 1855 as an agricultural college, has grown into one of the largest universities in the U.S. The school offers more than 200 programs of undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional study, and has produced 42 Goldwater, 17 Rhodes and 18 Churchill Scholars. Michigan State also has an extensive study abroad program, with more than 260 programs across all seven continents. It has impressive research resources and was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to establish a $730 million Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. It also boasts nearly 20,000 acres of land devoted to agricultural studies. The university excels in athletics, competing in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference as the Spartans. Notable alumni include billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad, as well as a long list of professional athletes.