The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is an independent, privately endowed research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Incorporated in 1861, MIT has significantly contributed to the development of modern science and technology in the U.S. MIT has a global community that is strengthened by attracting talent from around the world through innovation, research, and teaching.
The university’s mission is to advance knowledge and educate students in technology, science, and other academic areas that will best serve the nation and the world. Moreover, the institution offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Students here receive an education that combines rigorous academics and innovation, supported by the intellectual stimulation of its diverse community.
If MIT has piqued your interest and you want to know about your expenses at this school, check out the rest of the article.
Study Costs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
International students studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology should plan for several expenses besides tuition fees. As an international student, you must consider all additional costs in your financial plan throughout your study period. For your convenience, we have written a brief list of the varying expenses an international student may face at MIT. This information will give you an overall idea of your study and living costs at this research university.
Application Costs
Before you enroll at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, you will first have to apply. The application fee for undergraduate admissions at MIT is $75. Fee waivers are available for both domestic and international applicants.
The standard application fee for MIT graduate programs is $90 for all departments and programs except the MIT Sloan School of Management, where fees range from $95 to $250. The school also offers limited application fee waivers, so remember to check those out.
Tuition Costs
Before enrolling in any program, you must familiarize yourself with the tuition fee of your desired program and the payment plans offered by the university. MIT publishes standard tuition rates, while some graduate and professional programs use non-standard rates. For your convenience, we have summarized the cost of tuition for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs at the institute.
Bachelor’s Tuition Costs
The standard tuition cost for undergraduate programs at MIT is $66,720 for the 2026–2027 academic year. According to the university, the actual cost to MIT of administering an MIT education is about twice the listed tuition, so even students who pay full tuition attend at a discount relative to the institution’s cost. Tuition includes access to specific non-waivable health services, including urgent care, mental health visits, and specialist care at MIT Health. However, MIT Student Health Insurance Plan coverage may be charged separately unless a student has full coverage and submits an approved waiver.
Master’s Tuition Costs
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology also offers a wide range of master’s programs in several fields. The standard graduate tuition for the 2026–2027 nine-month academic year is $66,720. The 12-month cost-of-attendance estimate lists tuition at $89,775. However, the MIT Sloan School of Management and some programs, such as the Supply Chain Management: Master’s Program in Logistics, have different tuition fees. For 2026–2027, Sloan master’s-level degree programs list rates such as $91,892 for the MBA program, $133,007 for the 18-month Master of Finance, $161,663 for the Sloan Fellows MBA, and $222,205 for the 20-month Executive MBA. The Supply Chain Management: Master’s Program in Logistics is listed at $89,692 per academic year.
Ph.D. Tuition Costs
Most Ph.D. programs at MIT follow the standard graduate tuition rates, unless a program or registration status has a different rate. For 2026–2027, full regular graduate tuition is $33,360 per term, or $66,720 for the fall and spring terms. Doctoral students approved for non-resident tuition have different rates. Academic expenses for international students play a crucial role in your study abroad experience. You must manage these expenses to the best of your abilities so that they do not hinder your education. Preparing a financial plan would greatly help with managing your costs.
Other Academic Costs at MIT
Apart from your academic expenses, there are several other costs you would have to be aware of as an international student at MIT. Some of the more essential costs are mentioned below.
Books and Miscellaneous Expenses
The cost of books and most miscellaneous expenses is different for each individual. MIT estimates the cost of books, course materials, supplies, and equipment at $930 for undergraduate students. For graduate students, MIT estimates $1,161 for the nine-month academic year or $1,548 for 12 months. However, it is possible to cut down on some of these costs. For instance, digital textbooks may cost less than printed textbooks.
Accommodation and Transportation
Accommodation and transportation are also essential expenses that students need to be mindful of. MIT requires all first-year undergraduate students to live on campus. For 2026–2027, MIT’s undergraduate cost of attendance includes $14,090 for housing and $8,104 for food. For graduate students, MIT estimates housing at $17,100 for nine months or $22,800 for 12 months.
Transportation costs may vary depending on how far you live from campus. For undergraduate students, MIT estimates a travel allowance based on where each student lives, so it is not included in the standard cost-of-attendance table. For graduate students, MIT estimates transportation at $2,844 for nine months or $3,792 for 12 months.
Living Expenses
Overall, an international student’s living expenses will heavily depend on their lifestyle and spending habits. Living expenditures may include housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses. For 2026–2027, MIT estimates undergraduate personal expenses at $2,496 for the academic year, in addition to housing, food, books, and other costs.
For graduate students, MIT’s 2026–2027 cost of attendance estimates non-tuition living and study expenses, including housing, food, books, personal expenses, and transportation, at $36,729 for nine months or $48,972 for 12 months. However, it is advised that you budget your monthly payments to avoid overspending or running out of money. You must also prioritize your needs and wants regarding additional costs.
Pursuing an education abroad as an international student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology certainly comes with considerable financial obligations, considering the quality and standard of the education you will receive. In addition, you would also have the opportunity to explore the United States, a chance you may cherish in years to come. Dealing with finances will not be easy, but careful planning can help you prepare for the experience.
We hope this article about the cost of studying at MIT was helpful. You can check out the Study in the USA Page and our Available Programs for International Students for more information about other universities and the available programs in the United States!
