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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 and strong engineering programs. 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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ACTScore range: 34 – 36

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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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.
Extracurriculars
MIT pays close attention to what you have built, discovered, or investigated outside the classroom, so if you have not already, pursue a hands-on research project, a STEM competition like ISEF or Regeneron, or an independent coding or engineering project you can point to with concrete outcomes.

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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 PriceAvg. 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

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

35%Asian
21%White
14%Hispanic
12%International
8%Black / African American
7%Two or More Races
3%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
Gender52% Men · 48% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status88% Citizens and Immigrants · 12% International
MIT Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch