Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Tuition and Fees
By Susan Guillory
(Last Updated – 05/2023)
Total Cost of Attendance
When it comes to the best universities to study engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is at the top of the list. MIT tuition was $57,986 for the 2022-23 school year, which is higher than the average for four-year private nonprofit institutions in the U.S. of $39,400 per year.
Costs for 2022-23
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-State |
Tuition & Fees |
$57,986 |
$57,986 |
Books & Supplies |
$850 |
$850 |
Room & Board |
$18,790 |
$18,790 |
Other Expenses |
$2,224 |
$2,224 |
Total Cost of Attendance |
$79,850 |
$79,850 |
Financial Aid
MIT is need-blind, which means even if you can’t afford to pay for MIT tuition out of pocket, your application will still be considered.
About 58 percent of MIT’s undergraduates receive need-based financial aid from the Institute, and about 19 percent receive federal Pell Grants.
Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.
The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:
• Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.
• Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.
• Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.
• Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.
Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.
You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:
• US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state
• College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid
Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Private Student Loans
When it comes to student loans, 6% of MIT students take out federal loans, while 1% take out private loans. The average private student loan is $17,891.
Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.
What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.
If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.
Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans
Projected 4-Year-Degree Price
To attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology for four years, the cost, based on 2022-23 numbers, would be $319,400, including tuition and fees, books, and room and board. This is greater than the average cost of $230,280 for a private university for four years, according to CollegeData.com.
Here’s some Massachusetts Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
Costs for 2022-23
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-State |
Tuition & Fees |
$57,986 |
$57,986 |
Room & Board |
$18,790 |
$18,790 |
Total Cost of Attendance |
$76,776 |
$76,776 |
The MIT cost for undergraduate tuition, fees, and room and board is $76,776.
Graduate Tuition and Fees
Costs for 2022-23
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-State |
Tuition |
$57,590 |
$57,590 |
Fees |
$3,485 |
$3,485 |
Total Cost of Attendance |
$61,075 |
$61,075 |
MIT tuition for graduate school is, including fees, $61,075. The average cost of tuition for graduate school at a private institution in the United States is substantially lower at $23,130 per year. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.
Cost per Credit Hour
If you’re interested in attending MIT on a part-time basis, the cost is $925/unit (minimum of $5,550). You may also be eligible to take out student loans as a part-time student.
Campus Housing Expenses
Costs for 2022-23
Student Type |
On-Campus |
Off-Campus |
Books & Supplies |
$850 |
$850 |
Room & Board |
$18,790 |
$2,300+/mo* |
Other Expenses |
$2,224 |
$2,224 |
*Starting rate for a studio based on available apartments on MIT’s off-campus housing website in 2023.
Freshmen are required to live on campus their first year. Across all ages, 70% of students live on campus in one of 11 residence halls.
For those who choose to live off campus, there are plenty of affordable options near campus. Living with roommates can bring your costs down even more. Find out more about off-campus living here.
MIT Acceptance Rate
Fall 2021
Number of applications |
33,240 |
Number accepted |
1,365 |
Percentage Accepted |
4% |
The MIT acceptance rate is extremely competitive. Only 4% of students who apply get in.
MIT Admission Requirements
So what does it take to get accepted to MIT? Beyond your application, here’s what you’ll need to provide:
Required:
• High school transcript
• Letter of recommendation
• SAT or ACT scores
Recommended:
• High school GPA
• College preparatory program
The deadline for Early Action is November 1, while the deadline for Regular Action is January 5. You can apply to MIT here .
SAT and ACT Scores
MIT does require SAT or ACT scores, though it does not require the ACT writing section or the SAT optional essay. Here are the 25th and 75th percentile scores at MIT.
Subject |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
SAT Evidence-Based |
730 |
780 |
SAT Math |
780 |
800 |
ACT Composite |
34 |
36 |
ACT English |
35 |
36 |
ACT Math |
35 |
36 |
Popular Majors at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT offers 37 majors. Here are the most popular fields of study.
1. Computer Science
The most popular major at MIT offers courses in robotics, communication networks, medical technology, algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 330
2. Mechanical Engineering
A degree in mechanical engineering from MIT is an asset on any resume. This program offers courses in numerical computation, thermal-fluids engineering, dynamics and control, hydrodynamics, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 139
3. Mathematics
MIT offers a degree in mathematics as well as one in mathematics with computer science. Coursework includes linear algebra, differential equations, discrete mathematics, topology, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 76
4. Aerospace Engineering
After studying aerodynamics, structural mechanics, feedback control systems, human systems engineering, and other subjects, many aerospace engineering students go on to a master’s-level program.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 58
5. Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Interested in electrical engineering? At MIT, you’ll take courses in circuits and electronics, signal processing, algorithms, computational structures, inference, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 57
6. Physics
Physics students delve into quantum physics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics, relativity, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 50
7. Biological Engineering
Bioengineering students study organic chemistry, genetics, cell biology, biological engineering design, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 46
8. Economics
The economics department at MIT offers courses in macroeconomics, econometric data science, financial markets, mathematical economic modeling, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 39
9. Materials Science & Engineering
This program offers a wealth of instruction on topics including mechanics of materials, engineering computation and data science, modeling and simulation, and nanomechanics.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 29
10. Biology
Biology majors will learn about thermodynamics and kinetics, cell biology, biochemistry, microbial physiology, and ecology at MIT.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 18
Learn more about majors at MIT with this here .
Graduation Rate
Here is the graduation rate for students who started at MIT in 2015:
• 6 years: 96%
Post-Graduation Median Earnings
After completing undergraduate studies at MIT, students earn on average $124,213 a year. This is more than double the national average of $55,260 for four-year programs.
Bottom Line
While the price tag for MIT is steep, and competition is fierce, your ability to pay MIT tuition won’t get in the way of your application being considered, since the school is need-blind. And you’ll be going on to a fascinating career, and a good salary, after you graduate.
Photo credit: iStock/Rebecca Todd
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