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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA·Private nonprofit·4,571 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $153,600 within 10 years; exceptional 96% graduation rate.

5%
Accept
4,571
Students
$19,813
Net Price
96%
Grad Rate
$153,600
Earnings
10 yr
$12,462
Debt

About This School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private nonprofit institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts with approximately 4,571 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 5%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,813 per year. The graduation rate is 96%, and the typical graduate earns $153,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1861 to advance "useful knowledge", the university has played a significant role in the development of many areas of technology and science.

This is a strong option for students who are serious about STEM and can handle an intensely rigorous academic environment — a 99% freshman retention rate and 96% graduation rate suggest that the students who get in tend to thrive, not burn out. The financial picture is surprisingly accessible for an elite private school, with an average net price of just $19,813 per year and median debt at graduation of only $12,462, which looks even better against median earnings of $153,600 a decade out. The real concern here is simply getting in — a 5% acceptance rate means this should be a reach school on every list, so have strong alternatives ready.

Founded
1861
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Engineering35%
Computer Science30%
Mathematics9%
Physical Sciences7%
Biological Sciences4%
Business & Marketing2%
Social Sciences0%
Visual & Performing Arts0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Noam ChomskyKofi AnnanBenjamin NetanyahuRichard FeynmanRichard StallmanBuzz AldrinMario DraghiWilliam ShockleyMurray Gell-MannPaul KrugmanJoseph E. StiglitzJames Woods

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1553
Reading 75th %ile780
Math 75th %ile800

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$60,156
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,156
Avg Net Price
$19,813
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants19%
Median debt at graduation$12,462

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
96%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
99%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$153,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,462
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,462
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$99,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$153,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 12.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White21%
Black9%
Hispanic/Latino15%
Asian35%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,571 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

77 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02139-4307

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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