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Overview

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private university established in 1861. As of fall 2023, it has an undergraduate enrollment of 4,576 students. The campus spans 168 acres in an urban setting and follows a 4-1-4 academic calendar. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, MIT holds the #2 spot among National Universities. Tuition and fees stand at $62,396.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Rankings

To get a full picture of MIT’s strengths, check out where it ranks across different categories:

• #2 in National Universities
• #3 in Best Value Schools
• #1 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (at schools offering doctorates)

Engineering Specialties (Doctorate-Level Schools)

• #1 in Aerospace / Aeronautical / Astronautical
• #4 in Biomedical
• #1 in Chemical
• #5 in Civil
• #1 in Computer
• #1 in Electrical / Electronic / Communications
• #7 in Environmental / Environmental Health (tie)
• #1 in Materials
• #1 in Mechanical

Business Programs

• #2 in Business Programs (tie)
  • #1 in Analytics
  • #2 in Entrepreneurship (tie)
  • #6 in Finance
  • #8 in Management
  • #3 in Management Information Systems
  • #1 in Production / Operation Management
  • #1 in Quantitative Analysis
  • #3 in Supply Chain Management / Logistics

Computer Science

• #2 in Computer Science (tie)
  • #2 in Artificial Intelligence
  • #1 in Biocomputing / Bioinformatics / Biotechnology
  • #1 in Computer Systems
  • #3 in Cybersecurity
  • #2 in Data Analytics / Science
  • #6 in Game / Simulation Development (tie)
  • #2 in Mobile / Web Applications (tie)
  • #1 in Programming Languages
  • #3 in Software Engineering
  • #1 in Theory

Other Highlights

• #1 in Economics (tie)
• #19 in Learning Communities (tie)
• #1 in Undergraduate Research / Creative Projects
• #8 in Senior Capstone
• #7 in Co-ops / Internships (tie)
• #31 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
• #3 in Most Innovative Schools
• #92 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Ranking Methodology

MIT is ranked #2 out of 436 National Universities. These rankings are based on widely accepted indicators of academic excellence.

U.S. News Overall Score

• 99 (out of 100)

Graduation Rates (2025 Data)

• 96% average 6-year graduation rate
• 93% 6-year graduation rate for Pell Grant recipients
• 97% 6-year graduation rate for non-Pell Grant recipients

Admissions

MIT has a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 5% (early acceptance rate: 5.7%).

Test Scores (Middle 50%)

• SAT: 1510–1580
• ACT: 34–36

(Note: 25% of admitted students scored above these ranges, and 25% scored below.)

Application Details

• Application Fee: $75

What Admissions Considers

• GPA is a key academic factor.
• Class rank (when available) is reviewed.
• Letters of recommendation are important.

Tuition & Financial Aid

• Tuition & Fees: $62,396 (2024–25)
• National Average Tuition: $47,890 (MIT is more expensive)

Total Cost of Attendance

• $83,330 (includes housing, food, books, etc.)
• Net Price (after aid): $19,724 (average for need-based aid recipients)

Additional Financial Data

• Net price for federal loan recipients (2021–22): $20,338

Academics

• Student-Faculty Ratio: 3:1
• Small Class Sizes: 66.5% have fewer than 20 students
• Freshman Retention Rate: 99% (indicator of student satisfaction)

Most Popular Majors (2023 Graduates)

1. Computer Science (27%)
2. Mechanical Engineering (10%)
3. Mathematics, General (10%)
4. Electrical & Electronics Engineering (6%)
5. Physics, General (6%)
6. Cognitive Science, General (4%)
7. Aerospace Engineering (4%)
8. Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering (4%)
9. Economics & Computer Science (3%)
10. Management Sciences & Quantitative Methods (2%)

Student Life

• Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2023): 4,576
  • Gender Breakdown: 51.2% male, 48.8% female
• Housing: 93% live on campus; 7% live off campus
• Athletics: NCAA Division III

Total Enrollment (Fall 2023)

• 11,920 (4,576 undergrads / 7,344 grad students)
• Pell Grant Recipients (2022–23): 18%

Campus & Student Services

MIT provides:

• Tutoring, women’s center, career placement, daycare, health services
• Campus security: 24/7 patrols, late-night escorts, emergency phones, controlled dorm access
• Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age.