About

About Massachusetts Institute of Technology

stem focusedultra selective admissionsvery high research activityprivate research universitystrong engineering programs

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university in Cambridge, MA, known for its stem focused, ultra selective admissions, and very high research activity. With an acceptance rate of 4%, MIT is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 1,136 students each year. Admitted students typically score between 1520–1570 on the SAT and 34–36 on the ACT. MIT meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $100,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

Massachusetts Institute of Technology acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

4%
Overall Accept Rate
1545
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1520 – 1570

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Test Score Strategy
MIT requires test scores and the middle 50% range is extremely compressed at the top, so aim for a 1550 or higher on the SAT or a 35 or 36 on the ACT, and prioritize your Math section score since MIT scrutinizes quantitative ability closely.
Essay Strategy
MIT's essays ask you to describe a problem you want to solve and activities that energize you, so go deep on a specific intellectual obsession or project rather than listing accomplishments, since the admissions office wants to hear how your mind actually works.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Massachusetts Institute of Technology actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Massachusetts Institute of Technology has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $100,000, the average net annual cost is $0. Massachusetts Institute of Technology's sticker price of ~$77k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$77k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$77k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$77k/yr$11.6k
110k+~$77k/yr$48.5k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

96%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$132k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
3:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
4,608
Undergrad Enrollment
MIT Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch