Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading technical universities, with its graduates shaping the future across numerous fields of science and technology. For prospective students and their families, understanding the financial aspects of pursuing studies at this prestigious institution is crucial. This article aims to detail all expenses associated with undergraduate and graduate studies at MIT, providing a comprehensive overview of tuition, housing, dining, educational materials, living costs, and available financial aid options. If you want to learn how to get into MIT, read our complete guide for international students. Understanding these aspects is essential for proper financial planning and making an informed decision about applying to MIT. To compare MIT’s costs with other universities, check out our guide to the cost of studying in the USA.
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
The primary cost associated with undergraduate studies at MIT is tuition. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the full regular tuition is $30,995 per semester for both the fall and spring terms. This means the annual tuition cost alone is $61,990. The semester-based fee structure allows students to monitor their financial obligations throughout each study period, while the annual sum provides a broader perspective on the total cost of education for a given academic year.
In addition to tuition, undergraduate students are required to pay a Student Life Fee of $406 per semester, totaling $812 annually. This fee supports various aspects of student life, including student clubs and organizations, sports and recreational centers. Thanks to this fee, students have unlimited access to gyms, fitness classes, and events and trips organized by student organizations. While this amount is relatively small compared to tuition, it plays a significant role in funding the rich and active social life of the student community. Extracurricular activities are immensely important not only during studies but also in the application process.
It is worth noting that MIT does not differentiate tuition and fees for domestic and international undergraduate students. The university’s policy is based on the premise that access to education should be based on financial need and a candidate’s achievements, not their origin. This approach reflects MIT’s commitment to providing equal opportunities to all talented students, regardless of their nationality. In comparison, many public universities charge higher rates for international students – more on this in our general guide to the cost of studying in the USA.
During the application process, undergraduate students must pay a one-time application fee of $75. Additionally, there may be extra fees for late course registration or making changes to registration after the designated deadline. These fees range from $25 to $100. Awareness of these smaller fees is important to avoid unforeseen expenses during the application and registration process.
A significant change in MIT’s financial policy is the introduction of a free tuition program for low-income families. Starting from the 2025 academic year, students from families with annual incomes below $200,000 are exempt from tuition fees. Moreover, families earning less than $100,000 annually do not have to cover any study-related costs, including tuition, housing, dining, fees, books, and personal expenses. This significant expansion of the financial aid program underscores MIT’s strong commitment to making education accessible to talented students from all socio-economic backgrounds. You can read more about scholarships for studying in the USA for international students in a separate article.
To better illustrate undergraduate study costs, the table below presents estimated annual expenses before any financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year:
Table 1: Estimated Annual Cost of Undergraduate Studies at MIT (before financial aid) for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
| Cost Category | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 61,990 |
| Student Life Fee | 812 |
| Housing | 13,060 |
| Dining | 7,220 |
| Books and Supplies | 910 |
| Personal Expenses | 2,374 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 86,366 |
This table provides a clear summary of the main cost components associated with undergraduate studies, allowing prospective students to quickly understand the required financial contribution before receiving any potential financial aid.
Graduate Tuition and Fees
The cost of graduate studies at MIT also represents a significant investment. The annual tuition (for 9 months of study) for the 2025-2026 academic year is $61,990. For 12-month programs, the annual tuition cost increases to $83,405. Students whose program follows the standard semester schedule (fall and spring) incur a cost of $30,995 per semester. The differentiation in costs based on program length reflects the specific nature of various graduate education paths.
Similar to undergraduate studies, standard tuition for graduate students is the same for domestic and international students. However, there are special tuition rates for doctoral students who have been approved for “non-resident tuition.” During the first three semesters of this status, the fee is $1,550 per semester, increasing to $4,650 per semester in subsequent terms. It is worth noting that this reduced rate is not tied to a student’s international status but applies to a specific stage of doctoral studies where the student may be primarily working on their dissertation off-campus.
Some specialized graduate programs at MIT have separate tuition rates. For example, the annual cost of the MBA program at the Sloan School of Management is $84,350, to which a mandatory program fee of $2,200 must be added. The Master of Finance program (12 months) costs $91,250, and the annual Master of Business Analytics program has tuition of $91,250, though after accounting for a summer grant, the actual cost is $65,600. The higher tuition for these programs reflects their specialized nature, prestige, and demand for graduates in the job market.
During the graduate application process, a $75 fee applies. Graduate students also incur an annual Student Life Fee of $812 ($406 per semester). Like undergraduate students, they may be subject to additional fees for late registration or changes to registration.
The table below presents the estimated annual cost of graduate studies at MIT before any financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year:
Table 2: Estimated Annual Cost of Graduate Studies at MIT (before financial aid) for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
| Cost Category | Cost (9 months) (USD) | Cost (12 months) (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 61,990 | 83,405 |
| Fees | 812 | 812 |
| Health Insurance | 3,603 | 3,603 |
| Housing | 16,200 | 21,600 |
| Dining | 7,290 | 9,720 |
| Books and Supplies | 1,089 | 1,452 |
| Personal Expenses | 7,308 | 9,744 |
| Transportation | 2,664 | 3,552 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 100,956 | 133,522 |
This table details the estimated annual expenses for graduate students, considering both 9-month and 12-month periods, which is important due to the varying program lengths and research needs at this level of study.
On-Campus Housing Costs
MIT offers a variety of on-campus housing options for both undergraduate and graduate students.
First-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus. Housing costs for the 2025-2026 academic year range from $5,325 to $7,315 per semester. For example, at Baker House, the cost per semester is $7,000 for a single room, $6,190 for a double, $5,535 for a triple, and $4,885 for a quad. Similar prices apply at Burton-Conner House and Maseeh Hall. At MacGregor House, a single room costs $6,540, and a double costs $5,775 per semester. Additionally, a House Tax ranging from $40 to $100 per semester, depending on the chosen dormitory, must be added to housing costs. The wide range of housing options allows students to tailor their preferences and budget.
Table 3: Sample Undergraduate Housing Costs at MIT for the 2025-2026 Academic Year (per semester)
| Dormitory | Room Type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Baker House | Single | 7,000 |
| Baker House | Double | 6,190 |
| Burton-Conner House | Single | 7,000 |
| Burton-Conner House | Double | 6,190 |
| MacGregor House | Single | 6,540 |
| MacGregor House | Double | 5,775 |
| Maseeh Hall | Single | 7,000 |
| Maseeh Hall | Double | 6,190 |
| New House | Single | 7,000 |
| New House | Double | 6,190 |
| Next House | Single | 6,540 |
| Next House | Double | 5,775 |
| Random Hall | Single | 5,835 |
| Random Hall | Double | 5,155 |
| Simmons Hall | Single | 7,000 |
| Simmons Hall | Double | 6,190 |
Graduate students have various on-campus housing options, including single rooms, studio apartments, and one- or multi-bedroom apartments. Monthly housing rates for the 2025-2026 academic year range from $1,024 to $2,521 per student. For example, at 70 Amherst Street, a single room costs from $1,024, and a one-bedroom apartment for couples costs $2,315 per month. At Ashdown House, a room in a three-person apartment costs from $1,146, and a studio apartment from $1,923 per month. At Edgerton House, a room in a four-person apartment costs from $1,190, and a one-bedroom apartment from $2,430 per month. At Graduate Tower at Site 4, a studio apartment costs from $2,521, and a one-bedroom apartment from $2,929 per month. A monthly House Tax ranging from $5 to $10 must be added to housing costs. Significantly, on-campus housing rent includes utilities such as electricity, heating, hot water, and access to the MIT network and internet.
Table 4: Sample Monthly Graduate Housing Costs at MIT for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
| Residence | Unit Type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 Amherst Street | Single Room | 1,024 - 1,205 |
| 70 Amherst Street | 1-Bedroom Apartment (for couples) | 2,315 |
| Ashdown House | Room in 3-Person Apartment | 1,146 |
| Ashdown House | Studio Apartment | 1,923 |
| Edgerton House | Room in 4-Person Apartment | 1,190 - 1,226 |
| Edgerton House | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2,430 - 2,637 |
| Graduate Tower at Site 4 | Studio Apartment | 2,521 - 2,666 |
| Graduate Tower at Site 4 | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2,929 - 3,076 |
| Sidney-Pacific | Room in 2-Person Apartment (quad suite) | 986 |
| Sidney-Pacific | Studio Apartment | 1,923 |
| Tang Hall | Room in 2-Person Apartment | 1,226 |
| Tang Hall | Room in 4-Person Apartment | 1,132 |
| The Warehouse | Studio Apartment | 1,923 |
| Westgate Apartments | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2,085 - 2,254 |
| Westgate Apartments | Studio Apartment | 1,807 - 1,957 |
| Graduate Junction | Room in 4-Person Apartment | 1,483 |
| Graduate Junction | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2,778 |
| Graduate Junction | Studio Apartment | 2,388 |
Dining Plans and Their Costs
MIT offers undergraduate students a variety of dining plans for the 2025-2026 academic year. The most expensive options, such as Any 21 and Block 225, cost $3,824.25 per semester and offer 21 meals per week with 8 guest meals or 225 meals per semester with an additional $150 in Dining Dollars, respectively. The 190 plan costs $3,332.60 per semester, and the 160 plan costs $2,947.20. For students who dine less frequently on campus, cheaper options are available, such as the 90 plan for $1,719.90 or the 60 plan for $1,174.20 per semester. Dining Dollars are additional funds that can be purchased and used at campus dining locations, offering a 5% discount. Students who do not use a dining plan can pay for individual meals at rates of $10.85 for breakfast, $17.00 for lunch, and $19.95 for dinner. The estimated annual dining cost included in the total undergraduate cost of attendance is $7,220, which corresponds to the cost of the most expensive dining plan.
Table 5: Undergraduate Dining Plan Costs at MIT for the 2025-2026 Academic Year (per semester)
| Dining Plan | Cost (USD) | Guest Meals | Dining Dollars | Available for Residents in Required Meal Plan Residences | Available for Residents in Self-Catered Residences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any 21 | 3,824.25 | 8 | Optional | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Block 225 | 3,824.25 | Included | 150 USD | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| 190 | 3,332.60 | Included | Optional | 2, 3, 4 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| 160 | 2,947.20 | Included | Optional | 3, 4 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| 90 | 1,719.90 | Included | Optional | Not Available | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| 60 | 1,174.20 | Included | Optional | Not Available | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
The provided materials lack detailed information on dedicated dining plans for graduate students. It is possible that these students use the same options as undergraduates or have more independent dining choices.
Estimated Costs for Textbooks and Supplies
The estimated annual cost for textbooks and other necessary educational materials for MIT students is approximately $910. This relatively low amount may be due to the availability of many materials online or provided by the university. Nevertheless, students in certain fields may incur higher expenses in this area.
Estimated Living Costs in Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts, where MIT is located, is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. The cost of living there is 69-70% higher than the national average, with housing being the largest expense category, costing as much as 321.4% more than the national average. For example, a student’s monthly expenses might include: $300-450 for food and groceries, $130-150 for transportation (including an MBTA pass), $180-250 for utilities (including internet), $70-120 for clothing, and $80-150 for sports and recreation. Estimated annual living costs for graduate students can be significantly higher, especially if they live on campus in a studio apartment (approx. $34,507 + taxes annually) or off-campus with a partner (approx. $48,484 + taxes annually). The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cambridge is around $2,162. The high cost of living in Cambridge, particularly concerning off-campus accommodation, makes precise budget planning extremely important. For some students, especially those on a limited budget, on-campus housing may prove to be a more economical solution. Graduate students with families must anticipate significantly higher living costs.
Mandatory Fees (Health Insurance)
MIT tuition entitles students to use many health services offered by MIT Health without additional charges. However, according to Massachusetts state law, health insurance is mandatory for all students. Consequently, students are automatically enrolled in the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (MIT SHIP) and charged for this insurance. It is possible to waive MIT SHIP if a student already has comparable insurance. The annual cost of MIT SHIP for graduate students for the 2025-2026 academic year is $3,603. The cost for undergraduate students is not explicitly stated but is included in the total estimated cost of attendance. It is also worth noting that MIT SHIP may have limitations on the number of sessions or require co-payments for certain services, such as psychotherapy.
Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid
MIT offers an extensive financial aid system designed to make studies accessible to all talented candidates, regardless of their financial situation. This is one of the reasons why it is worth considering applying to MIT, even if the nominal costs seem high.
For undergraduate students, MIT commits to covering 100% of documented financial need for both domestic and international students. In the 2024-2025 academic year, 58% of students received need-based scholarships, and the median scholarship value was $66,663. Thanks to this aid, 39% of students studied tuition-free, and as many as 87% of graduates from the class of 2025 completed their studies without student debt. The median debt for students who took out loans was only $14,844. These statistics demonstrate MIT’s exceptionally generous financial aid program for undergraduate students. A comparison with other universities can be found in our article on Harvard’s costs.
Financial aid for graduate students is typically awarded by individual departments and programs. Available forms of support include fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and loans. Most scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, with some also considering financial need or a combination of both criteria. In the 2024-2025 academic year, approximately 2,553 graduate students were supported as research assistants, 604 as teaching assistants, and 2,242 received fellowships. Prospective graduate students should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the financial aid offerings within their specific study program. You can learn more about scholarship options in our guide to scholarships for international students and the article on studying in the USA for free.
Summary
Studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology involves significant costs, which vary depending on the level of study and individual choices regarding housing and dining plans. Nevertheless, MIT offers an extensive financial aid system, especially for undergraduate students, aiming to cover their full documented financial need. Graduate students should actively seek scholarships and other forms of support offered by their departments. It is crucial to thoroughly review the information on MIT’s official website, especially in the Admissions + Aid and Student Financial Services sections, to obtain the most current and personalized information about costs and available funding options. Despite the high costs, MIT’s commitment to ensuring access to education makes studying at this prestigious institution achievable for talented students from diverse financial backgrounds.
If you are planning to apply to MIT or other top universities in the USA, the College Council team will help you navigate the entire application process, and the Prepclass.io platform will prepare you for the SAT exam, a key component of the application.
Read also
- How to Get into MIT - A Guide for International Students
- How Much Does Harvard Cost - Cost and Scholarship Analysis
- How Much Do Studies in the USA Cost - A Detailed Guide
- Scholarships for Studying in the USA for International Students
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do undergraduate studies at MIT cost in the 2025-2026 academic year?
The estimated annual cost of undergraduate studies at MIT before financial aid is $86,366, including $61,990 for tuition, $13,060 for housing, $7,220 for dining, $910 for educational materials, and $2,374 for personal expenses. However, thanks to a generous scholarship program, 39% of students study completely free.
Does MIT offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, MIT commits to covering 100% of the documented financial need for all admitted undergraduate students, regardless of their nationality. In 2024-2025, 58% of students received need-based scholarships, and the median scholarship was $66,663. MIT does not differentiate tuition between domestic and international students.
Can low-income families study at MIT for free?
Yes. Starting from the 2025 academic year, families earning below $200,000 annually are exempt from tuition fees. Families with an income below $100,000 pay no costs for their studies – neither tuition, nor housing, dining, fees, books, or personal expenses. This is one of the most generous financial aid programs among American universities.
How much does on-campus housing at MIT cost?
On-campus housing costs for undergraduate students range from $5,155 to $7,000 per semester, depending on the dormitory and room type. Graduate students pay monthly rent ranging from $986 to over $3,000, depending on the apartment type. Rent includes utilities, heating, and internet access.
How do MIT’s costs compare to other Ivy League universities?
MIT is not formally part of the Ivy League but is comparable in terms of cost and prestige. The total annual cost at MIT ($86,366) is similar to Harvard (approx. $84,413) or Yale (approx. $83,880). However, like these universities, MIT offers exceptionally generous financial aid packages, which means the actual cost for many students is significantly lower.
What are the living costs in Cambridge, Massachusetts?
Cambridge is one of the most expensive cities in the USA – living costs are approximately 70% higher than the national average. A student’s monthly expenses include: $300-450 for food, $130-150 for transportation (MBTA pass), $180-250 for utilities, $70-120 for clothing, and $80-150 for sports and recreation. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cambridge is approximately $2,162.
Is it worth applying to MIT as an international student?
Absolutely. MIT has a “need-blind” policy for domestic student admissions, and for international students, it commits to covering 100% of demonstrated financial need. International students who successfully navigate the admission process can expect full financial support. Key factors include strong SAT preparation, compelling essays, and a robust profile of extracurricular activities. MIT’s acceptance rate for 2026 is approximately 4%.
