<p>On the list above that I referenced – which I believe is the latest by the Center for World-Class Universities, Shanghai Jiao Tong University – Brown (71) is well above MSU (83). Even though I understand why Brown slipped under the methodology they used for research, broad spectrum academics, heavy science etc., I will concede that Brown should be higher up the list. As I noted in a post above, you will always be able to find strengths and weaknesses in any rankings methodology. Their’s is tough on smaller, primarily liberal arts type universities.</p>