Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), founded in 1861 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, stands as a premier private research institution renowned for its commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation. Established during the U.S. industrial revolution, MIT adopted a European polytechnic university model, emphasizing hands-on laboratory instruction in applied science and engineering. This approach has led to significant contributions across various fields, including computing, artificial intelligence, and aerospace.
MIT’s influence on the digital age is profound. Its community has been instrumental in developing foundational technologies for modern computing and networking. Notably, groups like Project MAC, the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, and the Tech Model Railroad Club pioneered early interactive computer games such as Spacewar! and played a key role in shaping contemporary hacker culture.
Beyond technological advancements, MIT fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its alumni have launched numerous successful companies, contributing significantly to the global economy. The institute’s dedication to open knowledge is exemplified by initiatives like OpenCourseWare, which provides free access to course materials worldwide.
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Alumni Nickname: Beavers, Engineers
- Mascot: Tim the Beaver
2025 Rankings
by U.S. News & World Report
by QS World University Rankings
by Times Higher Education
Undergraduate Admissions Process Summary
Application Deadlines
Early Decision: November 1
Regular Decision: January 6
Application Portal
MIT Application
QuestBridge
Standardized Tests
SAT or ACT required
Recommendation Letters
Counselor Recommendation: 1 Letter
Teacher Evaluation: 2 Letters
On Campus Residence for Freshmen
Required
International Students
English Proficiency
TOEFL: minimum score 100
IELTS: minimum score 7.5
Interview
Optional
(highly recommended)
University Specific Requests
None
Application Fee
$75
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Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) 30-35%
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Mechanical Engineering 10-15%
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Biology 8-12%
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Physics 6-10%
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Mathematics 6-8%
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Chemical Engineering 6-8%
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Aerospace Engineering 3-5%
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Economics 4-6%
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Architecture 2-4%
Popular
Majors
4.6%
Acceptance Rate
$24.6 billion endowment
87% of MIT undergraduates graduated debt-free
40+ Number of astronauts affiliated with MIT, underscoring its significant contributions to space exploration and NASA missions
93% MIT’s six-year undergraduate graduation rate, showcasing strong student support and academic excellence
Total Students
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Asian: 35%
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White: 23%
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Hispanic: 14%
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Black: 8%
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Two or more races: 7%
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Native American: 0.3%
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International students: 13%
Campus
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s campus stretches across 168 acres along the Charles River, offering a vibrant and dynamic environment that fosters innovation and intellectual engagement. The campus is a blend of cutting-edge architecture and historical buildings, with over 100 structures housing MIT’s various schools, research centers, labs, and student living spaces. The iconic Great Dome atop Building 10 and the futuristic designs of buildings like the Stata Center (designed by Frank Gehry) stand as symbols of MIT’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design.
MIT’s campus is home to numerous state-of-the-art facilities that are integral to its research and academic endeavors. The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, the MIT Media Lab, and the Wang Center for Graduate Studies are just a few examples of the world-class research centers that make MIT a leader in fields ranging from biology to artificial intelligence. The campus also boasts extensive green spaces, including Killian Court, where students and visitors often gather to relax or take in the view of the Charles River and Boston skyline.
In terms of student life, MIT provides a diverse range of housing options, from traditional dormitories to more unique living groups and co-ops that foster a strong sense of community. The campus is also known for its robust arts culture, with Kresge Auditorium, the List Visual Arts Center, and student-run performance groups contributing to the vibrant artistic life at MIT. Students can often be found working late into the night in one of the many study rooms or participating in one of the campus’s 50+ student-run clubs, ranging from technology and engineering societies to the arts and humanities.
MIT’s campus is also home to an array of athletic facilities, including the Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center and Alumni Pool, as well as recreational spaces like Morse and Simmons Halls, which feature unique design elements to encourage interaction and collaboration. The proximity to the city of Boston allows MIT students to easily engage with the city’s rich cultural and professional landscape, while the university’s own facilities encourage exploration and discovery across disciplines.
Cost of Attendance
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Tuition $61,990
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Student Life Fee $406
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Housing $13,060
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Food $7,220
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Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $910
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Personal Expenses $2,374
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Total Estimated Cost $85,960
At MIT, 14% of undergraduates qualified for the Pell Grant
Notable Affiliations
Many of MIT’s more than 120,000 alumni have achieved significant success across a variety of fields, including scientific research, public service, education, and business. 41 MIT graduates have won Nobel Prizes, 48 have been named Rhodes Scholars, 61 have earned Marshall Scholarships, and 3 have been selected as Mitchell Scholars.
Political figures include former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Governor of Puerto Rico Luis A. Ferré. In the business world, MIT alumni include Buzz Aldrin, co-founder of Dropbox Drew Houston, Zipcar’s Robin Chase, and Intel’s co-founder Robert Noyce.
MIT has also produced notable athletes, such as Olympic cyclist and NASA astronaut trainee Christina Birch and MLB pitcher Jason Szuminski. Additionally, MIT’s cultural contributions are evident in celebrity alumni like award-winning actors James Woods, Dolph Lundgren, and Natalie Portman, as well as musician and inventor Tom Scholz of the rock band Boston.
In the realm of science, MIT alumni include renowned physicist and Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and former NASA Deputy Administrator Dava Newman.
MIT is known for its rigorous programs in science, engineering, and technology. It has a global reputation for groundbreaking research in fields such as computer science, electrical engineering, physics, biology, and artificial intelligence. MIT is also known for its strong entrepreneurial culture, fostering innovations in both the tech and business sectors.
It was part of a famous student “hack”—MIT lingo for an elaborate prank—where students installed a working fire hydrant on top of the dome to mimic a police car, complete with flashing lights.
Yes, MIT offers need-based financial aid to all students, and there are no merit-based scholarships. The institution has a generous financial aid program that ensures that students from families with incomes of $100,000 or less typically pay no tuition. MIT guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Not exactly, but MIT does offer quirky courses like “The Science of Harry Potter” and “Toy Product Design” that mix fun with real-world engineering concepts.
MIT has a vibrant and diverse student life with over 500 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and social activities. The MIT Dining Services provides numerous options for students, and there are various housing options, including dormitories, fraternities, and co-op housing. MIT’s athletic facilities are also extensive, offering sports like swimming, basketball, and more.
Sort of! The Barker Engineering Library under the Great Dome has long been joked about as a portal to time travel—thanks to its round structure and echoes. It even inspired time-travel-themed hacks.
Yes, MIT offers a range of online learning opportunities through MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) and MITx, which provides free and paid online courses in various subjects, allowing learners worldwide to access MIT’s educational resources.
This famous hallway stretches 825 feet and aligns perfectly with the sun twice a year—a phenomenon known as “MIThenge,” when sunlight floods the entire corridor during sunset.