Why Give

Michigan State has become one of the world’s leading research universities, a major force in the economy of Michigan, and an important institution to educate young people at a significant scale.

The impact Michigan State has in just a single year is enormous. Learn why your support of Empower Extraordinary is so important.

With applications for admission at an all-time high, the majority come from first generation students and from households with incomes of $125,000 or less. Over the past 13 years, enrollment at MSU has increased 13%, while state appropriation per student has been cut by 49%. The result? Tuition costs paid by students and families have increased dramatically. The cost for an education has shifted to the student and their families.

In terms of academics, MSU ranks in the top 30 nationally and 100 internationally. But in terms of the number of endowed faculty chairs and professorships, MSU is at the bottom of the Big Ten.

The global challenges we all face require the best minds working in collaboration across disciplinary and geographic boundaries. Only this will stimulate deep understanding and lead to effective solutions. There is a great role for MSU to play in solving problems of scarcity—in food, energy, water and the natural resource environment. We can also put our strengths to work in health and behavior, plant sciences, education and complex materials to improve livelihoods close to home and around the world.

Spartans respond to the dynamic world by anticipating change and taking action together. This uncommon quality comes from the extraordinary experiences taking place in our classrooms and through experiential educational experiences. We are also bound through the Spartan spirit embodied in our top-notch intercollegiate athletic programs, which has been a dramatic part of the Spartan experience for generations. Therefore we believe our world should have the spaces and places to collaborate, to play and to inspire.

The Michigan State University Annual Giving fund is made up of thousands of gifts from MSU alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends. And each year more than 100,000 donors make an investment in MSU’s success. These contributions benefit students—paying for financial aid awards and help provide computer and laboratory equipment, course development materials, student research projects, scholarships for study abroad, summer internship stipends, exhibitions in the museum, facility improvements and so much more. It is our goal to have the No.1 alumni participation rate in the Big 10.