Spartans take care of each other if they choose to drink.
At Michigan State University, most students who choose to drink do so in moderation. If a student chooses not to drink, that decision is supported by the majority of their peers. If a student has too much to drink and needs medical attention, their peers are prepared to make the call to make sure they are okay.
- 9 out of 10 Spartans approve of getting medical help for a friend who had too much to drink.
- 9 out of 10 Spartans plan ahead to get home safely when they drink.
- 89% of Spartans look out for their friends to keep them safe when they drink.
- 83% of Spartans stick with their friends while drinking.
- 83% of MSU students approve or strongly approve of a friend or peer choosing not to drink any alcohol at all.
- 72% of Spartans cut themselves off before they have too much to drink.
- 68% of Spartans keep track of how many drinks they have to make sure they do not drink too much.
Data Source: 2026 MSU National College Health Assessment (NCHA IIIb) N=749
How do we know?
MSU participates in the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey through our membership in the American College Health Association (ACHA). Find our latest NCHA data at our State of Spartan Health webpage.
In Michigan, students who are under the legal drinking age may now reasonably expect that if they seek medical assistance for themselves or a friend when there are health care concerns related to alcohol use, they will not face criminal prosecution.
In addition, MSU's medical amnesty policy supports students seeking medical care for themselves or others in case of intoxication or injury.
With medical amnesty, there is no reason not to call 911 if you are worried about a friend you think might need medical care. If you see a friend in trouble, make the call, then stay with them until help arrives. Learn more about MSU's medical amnesty policy.