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Colleges / MA / Cambridge
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Private nonprofit Cambridge, MA · Urban · New England · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
96%
Graduation Rate
$143,372
Earnings (10yr)
$20,111
Net Price
5%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts a highly motivated and academically driven student body. This is a place for those who excel in challenging fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. Students here are often hands-on learners, engaging in rigorous projects and research that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Once students graduate, they typically see significant financial returns on their investment. With an average salary of $143,372 after ten years, graduates are well-positioned in the job market. This level of earning power speaks volumes about the value of the education they receive here. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $20,111 after aid, many students leave with a manageable median debt of $14,768, making the financial landscape more navigable.

The practical aspects of attending MIT align well with the ambitions of its students. Those who thrive here are often those who embrace intense academic rigor and collaborative environments. With a graduation rate of 96%, it’s clear that the supportive community helps students succeed. The combination of a strong educational foundation and a network of driven peers prepares graduates for a range of career paths and success in their chosen fields.

Rankings

How Massachusetts Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation96%Earnings 10yr$143KNet Price$20KRetention99%Median Debt$15KPell Grant Rate19%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$-3K$0-30K$0K$30-48K$1K$48-75K$48K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%510.8%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%6652.9%MOBILITY339.82%

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,396
In-State Tuition
$62,396
Out-of-State
$20,111
Avg Net Price
$14,768
Median Debt
19%
Pell Grant Rate
7%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$-2,533
Family Income $0–$30K
$93
Family Income $30K–$48K
$1,480
Family Income $48K–$75K
$48,479
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$131,633
6 Years After Entry
$135,278
8 Years
$143,372
10 Years
0.1x
Debt-to-Earnings
87%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$131,633 6yr $135,278 8yr $143,372 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

339.82%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
6652.9%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
510.8%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$141,000
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.86
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#3
World Rank
97.8
Teaching
91.4
Research
99.9
Citations
82.3
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

12.069%
Inventor Rate
1,058
Total Patents
1,441
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 5%
Retention Rate 99%
SAT Average 1560
SAT Range 1520–1580
ACT Range 34–36
Full-Time Faculty 99%
Faculty Salary (mo) $24,177
Diversity Index 0.79
First-Gen Students 26%

Top Programs

Engineering 32%
Computer Science & IT 31%
Mathematics & Statistics 11%
Physical Sciences 7%
Biology & Biomedical 5%
Business & Marketing 1%
Social Sciences 1%
Humanities 1%