MIT Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding Your Education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is renowned worldwide for its rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and a vibrant community driven by a shared purpose: to make a better world through education, research, and innovation. MIT attracts and nurtures unconventional thinkers - students with courage, creativity, and curiosity. Understanding the financial commitment involved in attending such a prestigious institution, MIT is deeply committed to providing financial aid to talented students from all backgrounds, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of their academic aspirations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of MIT scholarships, financial aid options, and the requirements associated with them.

MIT's Commitment to Financial Aid

MIT distinguishes itself through its need-blind admissions policy, meaning that a student's ability to pay has no impact on their chances of being admitted. Once admitted, MIT is dedicated to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of every undergraduate student for all four years of their academic journey. This commitment extends to both domestic and international students. MIT awards financial aid based solely on financial need, without offering any academic, athletic, or merit-based scholarships.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance (COA) is the total estimated cost to attend MIT for one academic year. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the estimated cost is $84,768. This figure encompasses tuition, fees, room and board, books, personal expenses, and travel. MIT determines all financial aid awards based on these figures. The sticker price at MIT is $79,850. The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation.

MIT also expects students to contribute $2,000 from summer work towards their total cost of attendance.

Key MIT Scholarships and Financial Aid Programs

MIT offers a variety of financial aid programs to assist students in funding their education. Here are some of the key scholarships and programs available:

MIT Need-Based Scholarship

The MIT Need-Based Scholarship is available to students who demonstrate financial need. All students who apply for financial aid and complete the CSS Profile will be considered for this scholarship.

MIT First Year Grant

The MIT First Year Grant is available to first-year students who demonstrate financial need. These funds may be used for extra expenses associated with the transition to college.

National College Match Scholarship Package

MIT is a member of QuestBridge, a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are "matched" to MIT through QuestBridge receive a four-year, full-ride scholarship to the school. If you are matched with MIT, you will receive an official financial aid award directly from the Institute. MIT's need-based financial aid is awarded on an annual basis, and Match Scholarship Recipients must re-apply for aid each year. Provided there is no significant change in a student's financial situation, financial aid awards remain consistent year to year. If tuition and fees go up, financial aid will go up as well. Students who do not match with MIT through the QuestBridge process are still able to apply to MIT in Early or Regular Action, and they are still likely to qualify for a generous financial aid package.

Federal Pell Grant

The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. Students eligible for a full Pell Grant may have up to the full cost of attendance covered by grant and scholarship aid.

Outside Scholarships

Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at MIT. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. All outside awards/scholarships including a Federal Pell Grant first reduce the $5,400 student contribution. If you have outside awards that total more than the student contribution, the remainder will be put towards your COA for the year, and reduce your MIT Scholarship accordingly.

Read also: The History of UMass Amherst

Other Scholarship Opportunities

While MIT primarily offers need-based aid, students may also be eligible for external scholarships and fellowships based on various criteria:

The Siebel Scholars Program: Open to talented students at leading graduate schools of business, computer science, bioengineering, and energy science.
The ROMBA LGBT+ Fellowship: For LGBT+ students or allies enrolled in a business program at one of the 64 member schools.
The IES Merit-Based David Porter Diversity Scholarship: Available to students from under-represented groups on study abroad programs at IES college consortium member institutions.
The Shell High School Senior Student Scholarship: For graduating high school seniors interested in the energy industry with an aptitude in mathematics and science.
The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) Need-Based Financial Aid Scholarship: For students accepted into an IES study abroad program at IES college consortium member institutions.
The Draper Lab Fellow Program: For graduate students pursuing technical/engineering degrees aligned with Draper's work.
The Luce Scholars Program: A year-long program in Asia for American citizens under 30 with a bachelor's degree.

Application Requirements and Process

To apply for financial aid at MIT, students must complete the following steps:

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The FAFSA is a standard form used by the federal government to determine a student's eligibility for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans.

FAFSA code: 002178
The FAFSA will open this fall. Please complete the FAFSA as soon as it is available.
US Citizens and Eligible Noncitizens.
While completing the FAFSA, please use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if possible to auto-fill some of your 2024 income information.
The FAFSA is completely free.

CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile)

The CSS Profile is an online application used by many private colleges and universities to determine a student's eligibility for institutional financial aid.

Each parent will need to complete their own CSS Profile application.
To keep their financial information private, your parents should not share their College Board log-in credentials with each other.
If you do not have any contact with your non-custodial parent, then you may submit a request to waive the requirement of their financial information.
Once you complete the CSS Profile, you will be given instructions on how to submit your parents’ 2024 federal tax returns through the College Board’s IDOC service. Please include all schedules, attachments, W-2 forms and other earning statements. Include both personal and business tax returns if applicable.
If you have a non-custodial parent, they must also submit copies of their federal tax returns with all schedules, attachments, W-2 Forms, and other earnings statements.
Please do not submit these materials directly to MIT, as they are not able to accept them.
The CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to.

Tax Returns and Other Documents

MIT may require students and their families to submit copies of their federal tax returns, W-2 forms, and other financial documents to verify the information provided on the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Deadlines

Students must apply by January 4 to enroll at MIT during the fall semester.
It is essential to adhere to all application deadlines to be considered for financial aid. The application deadline varies based on the course and program.

Additional Information for QuestBridge Finalists

QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to college partners on October 21, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology may need a couple of days to import them into their system.
You do not need to complete the MIT first-year application if you are a Finalist.
If neither of your QuestBridge recommendations is from a math or science teacher, MIT strongly recommends that you ask an appropriate teacher to complete one for you. You will be able to add recommender information to your MIT QuestBridge Supplement and your recommender will receive directions on how to submit their letter.
Along with the MIT QuestBridge Supplement, MIT requires an official school transcript (a transcript sent directly from a school official/counselor). If your counselor/school official already sent an official transcript through the QB application, no further action is needed. If you did not submit an official transcript with your QB application, you will have the option to request one in the MIT Application Portal after you fill out your QuestBridge supplement.
Finalists who do not match with MIT will automatically be rolled into the Early Action process and students will receive a decision from MIT in mid-December. Finalists who request to be considered in Regular Action will receive a decision in mid-March.
*Regular Decision Requirements:
Step 1: Select MIT on the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form on your Application Management page between November 4 - December 11. Only check the box if you fully intend to submit a complete application to MIT (including all of the materials detailed in the table below).
Step 2: Activate your MIT Applicant Portal. QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to MIT on December 16 and MIT may need a couple days to import them into their system. Strongly recommended if neither of your QuestBridge recommendations is from a math or science teacher. Refer to the instructions listed under #1 in the Match Requirements chart above to submit one.

Standardized Tests

Massachusetts Institute of Technology requires applicants to submit a standardized test score. This could include the SAT, ACT, or CLT. Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Massachusetts Institute of Technology. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal.

Test Codes

SAT code: 3514
ACT code: 1858

MIT requires either the SAT or the ACT from all first-year applicants. They do not require the ACT writing section or the SAT optional essay. If you take the same test multiple times, they will consider the highest score achieved in each section, so they can consider all applicants in their best light. They do not require applicants to officially send their SAT, ACT, or English proficiency test scores as part of their application. Instead, you will self-report your scores on the application, and MIT will verify scores upon enrollment. There will be an opportunity to update any test results that become available after your application is submitted.

Maintaining Your Award

MIT's need-based financial aid is awarded on an annual basis, and students must re-apply for aid each year. To maintain their financial aid award, students must meet MIT's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies. Provided there is no significant change in a student's financial situation, financial aid awards remain consistent from year to year. If tuition and fees increase, financial aid will also increase.

Health Insurance Requirements

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandates that all students have health insurance. Access to all services at MIT Medical is included with tuition and covers most services at no additional charge. All students are also enrolled and billed for the Student Health Insurance Plan, which meets the state insurance requirement and provides hospitalization coverage. For the 2025-26 academic year, the cost of the Student Health Insurance Plan is $4,572 (not included in the Cost of Attendance above). However, students who already have sufficient coverage (usually under their family's insurance) can be granted a waiver for the extended insurance plan.

Additional Resources and Considerations

Massachusetts Residents: Massachusetts residents should explore state grants to help fund their education. Massachusetts offers a variety of programs, including the need-based tuition waiver program, the MASSGrant, the Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program, and MCAS Scholarships.
Essays: Yes, Massachusetts Institute of Technology includes a supplemental essay in their application.
Interviews: Once you have submitted your application, you may be contacted for an interview by one of MIT's Educational Counselors (ECs) if there’s one available. Please select "Early Action" as your admission application type.
Application Status Portal Activation: QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to college partners on October 21, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology may need a couple of days to import them into their system.
Graduation Rate: 95% of students who start at Massachusetts Institute of Technology finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 37% more than the national median.
Median Income: The median income of students 10 years after starting at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is $143,372. Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn.
Student Loans: Graduates of MIT take out a median of $14,768 in federal student loans. This is $1,268 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option.

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