At $19,813/yr net price, Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn $143,372/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $109,372/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,813 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $143,372/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$109,372/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 96.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,768 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,621/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,696/yr |
| $110,001+ | $46,627/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $165,236 | $41,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $150,045 | |
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $137,214 | $44,052 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $127,993 | $11,077 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Doctoral | $126,504 | |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Doctoral | $126,504 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $121,226 | $10,967 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $117,572 | $9,751 |
| Nuclear Engineering. | Doctoral | $112,923 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Doctoral | $112,885 |
The Risk Factor
96.1% of students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
MIT delivers strong financial returns with median graduate earnings of $143,372 annually against just $19,813 in annual net costs. The 96% graduation rate means you'll almost certainly finish your degree, and the typical graduate carries only $14,768 in debt.
Business majors earn the highest returns at $165,236 annually, though they graduate with $41,000 in debt. Computer science offers the best debt-to-earnings ratio with $127,993 salaries and just $11,077 in typical debt. Engineering programs consistently deliver strong returns, with electrical engineering graduates earning $150,045 and aerospace engineers earning $126,504.
MIT's location in Cambridge provides direct access to Boston's tech corridor, biotech companies, and financial services firms. This geographic advantage translates into immediate job placement opportunities and higher starting salaries than most engineering programs nationwide.
The biggest financial risk is opportunity cost during your four years, since MIT graduates could likely succeed at less expensive schools. However, the brand recognition and alumni network justify the investment for most students pursuing technical careers.
MIT works financially if you're committed to STEM fields where the degree commands premium salaries. Liberal arts students should consider other options since MIT's strength lies in technical disciplines. The school's need-based aid system means families earning under $90,000 pay nothing, while middle-income families face the full sticker price with limited merit aid available.
You're looking at one of the strongest ROI propositions in higher education, provided you can handle the academic intensity and want a technical career path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts Institute of Technology worth the cost?
MIT graduates earn a median of $143,372 ten years after graduation with relatively low debt of $14,768, making it one of the strongest ROI values in higher education. The net price of $19,813 after financial aid is manageable compared to earning potential.
What are the highest paying majors at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Business graduates from MIT earn the highest median salary at $165,236, followed by electrical engineering at $150,045 and systems engineering at $137,214. Even computer science graduates, despite lower starting salaries elsewhere, earn $127,993 from MIT.
How much student debt do Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates have?
MIT graduates have a median debt of only $14,768, which is well below the national average. Strong financial aid brings the net price down to $19,813 per year for most students.
Does Massachusetts Institute of Technology have good financial aid?
Yes, MIT's financial aid significantly reduces costs with a net price of $19,813 compared to the full sticker price. The combination of aid and high graduate earnings creates strong value even for middle-income families.