Why Study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?
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However, admission to MIT is not easy. On average, over 30,000 applications each year are received for admissions. MIT admissions are highly selective and record a lower selection rate too. MIT’s acceptance rate was reportedly 4.8% for the class of 2027. Despite lower selectivity rates, a pool of talented students applies to MIT each year.
Why MIT is so prestigious because of its rankings, educational quality, high return on investment, good scholarship amounts and competitive research opportunities. However, why international students should choose to study at MIT has been elaborated in detail in this article.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Key Facts
| Total Enrolment |
11,858 (As of Fall 2023) |
| Acceptance Rate |
4.8% (Class of 2027) |
| Tuition Fee |
UG: INR 44 L – INR 50 L PG: INR 44 L – INR 88 L |
| Courses Offered |
120 |
| Total Students Receiving Scholarship |
58% |
| Average Scholarship (2022-23) |
USD 63,729 (INR 53.3 L) |
| Total Research Centres |
65 |
| Nobel Laureates |
100 |
| Average Annual Salary |
USD 165,000 (INR 1.37 Cr) |
Conversion Rate; 1 USD = INR 83.71
Top 5 Reasons to Study at MIT
International students keen on studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can have a look at the following top reasons and the pros of studying at the university:
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MIT Top Rankings Globally
MIT is one of the top-ranking institutions with undisputed and consistent top rankings as per international university ranking agencies. The following is a five-year ranking comparison of the global university rankings as per QS, THE and US News:
| Year-wise MIT Rankings |
QS - World University Ranking |
THE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking |
US News & World Report - Global Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 |
#1 |
Not announced |
Not announced |
| 2024-25 |
#3 |
#2 |
|
| 2023-24 |
#5 |
||
| 2022-23 |
|||
| 2021-22 |
|||
| 2020-21 |
|||
| 2019-20 |
#4 |
It can be noted that MIT ranks in the top 5 universities globally and records a consistent #1 position as per QS - World University Rankings since the year 2019 to 2025. US News & World Report - Global Universities ranks MIT at #2 for five consistent years from 2019 to 2024. Only THE records a position of #5 for four consecutive years, that is, between 2020 to 2023. However, in 2024, its ranking elevated to #3. Overall, MIT ranks within the top 5 global universities unanimously as per all three rankings.
Wide Variety of Courses at MIT
At MIT there are 50 academic departments which offer around 56 undergraduate majors, 58 undergraduate minors and 50 graduate programs along with a certificate course. Massachusetts Institute of Technology courses are widely oped across popular streams of:
- Engineering
- Business
- Computation
- Science
- Architecture & Planning
- Social Sciences
MBA at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the popular courses which is offered along with MIT Engineering courses. MBA and Engineering courses both rank in the top 10 courses globally each year.
Need Blind Scholarships at MIT for International Students
There are very few US universities which offer need-blind scholarships and MIT is one of those. Need blind scholarships are those which automatically consider an applicant for either a full or partial scholarship irrespective of his/her financial background. Check out more details about it at - Financial Aid Sources in the USA for International Students.
Apart from this, Massachusetts Institute of Technology scholarships are offered to extremely talented students and this is not required to be repaid as well. MIT scholarships are both merit and need-based including need-blind scholarships as well. While need-blind scholarships cover a full fee of four years of study, the other scholarships may cover tuition costs partially. Some more details on MIT scholarships are as follows for the academic year 2022-2023:
- The average MIT Scholarship offered was USD 63,729 (INR 53.3 L).
- Around 35% of MIT’s undergraduates attended the university tuition-free.
- Only 58% of MIT students were offered a need-based scholarship.
- It was also noted that 86% of MIT graduates graduated in 2023 without student debt.
In the 2022–2023 academic year, MIT awarded USD 152.3 million in scholarships, which were grants that were not supposed to be repaid. Students whose family incomes were under USD  140,000 attended MIT tuition-free.
High-Paying Jobs & Placements for MIT Graduates
MIT graduates are considered one of the top choices for employers. The average annual salary an MIT graduate draws is around USD 165,000 (INR 1.36 Cr). These Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates are employed across some of the top-paying job roles which are as follows:
| Industry |
Median Base Salary 2022 |
Median Base Salary 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Auto / Aerospace |
USD 160,000 (INR 1.33 Cr) |
USD 146,500 (INR 1.22 Cr) |
| Consulting |
USD 175,000 (INR 1.45 Cr) |
USD 190,000 (INR 1.58 Cr) |
| Energy |
USD 150,000 (INR 1.25 Cr) |
USD 160,000 (INR 1.33 Cr) |
| Finance |
USD 170,000 (INR 1.41 Cr) |
USD 175,000 (INR 1.45 Cr) |
| Healthcare / Pharma / Biotech |
USD 145,000 (INR 1.20 Cr) |
USD 147,500 (INR 1.22 Cr) |
| Media / Entertainment / Sports |
USD 137,500 (INR 1.14 Cr) |
USD 140,000 (INR 1.16 Cr) |
| Retail / CPG |
USD 141,000 (INR 1.17 Cr) |
USD 146,250 (INR 1.21 Cr) |
| Technology |
USD 150,000 (INR 1.25 Cr) |
USD 157,100 (INR 1.30 Cr) |
| Other Manufacturing Industries |
USD 140,000 (INR 1.16 Cr) |
USD 157,500 (INR 1.31 Cr) |
| Other Service Industries |
USD 125,000 (INR 1.04 Cr) |
USD 147,500 (INR 1.22 Cr) |
| Other |
USD 132,000 (INR 1.10 Cr) |
USD 125,000 (INR 1.04 Cr) |
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.71
While engineering MIT graduates earn more than MBA MIT graduates, the difference between the highest salaries is not more than 20%. Get more details on employers and more job roles with salaries at MIT Placements.
High ROI After Graduating from MIT
In terms of return on investment (ROI), Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranks among the best value schools as per US News in the USA. The expected ROI within 20 years of graduating from MIT is close to USD 118,200. Thus, the average loan amount is also lower, about USD 34,300 approximately for an overall tuition cost of USD 276,500 for all four years. So students passing out from MIT can expect to cover their studying costs easily without waiting for too long.
Overall, we can say that Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the top universities in the USA which admits academically talented students. MIT has been recognised for its quality education, courses and research and hence has been ranking consistently in the top 5 universities globally. Still have queries related to admissions? Get in touch with our counsellors, sign up at - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply.
Indians who have graduated from MIT
Several celebrated Indians have pursued their education in the MIT University. We have listed below some of the most prominent Indian Massachusetts Institute of Technology notable alumni:
| Personality | Profession/Designation |
|---|---|
| Raghuram Rajan |
An Indian economist and the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Nandan Nilekani | An Indian entrepreneur, who co-founded Infosys and is the non-executive chairman of Infosys |
| Arvind Subramanian | An Indian economist and the former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India |
| Jhumpa Lahiri | A British-American author, who is renowned for her short stories, novels, and essays in English |
| N. R. Narayana Murthy | An Indian billionaire businessman, who is one of the seven co-founders of Infosys |
In conclusion, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation globally. Its consistent top rankings, diverse and cutting-edge course offerings, generous need-blind scholarships, and exceptional career outcomes for graduates make it an unparalleled choice for ambitious students worldwide. Thus, Indian applicants planning to apply for MIT admissions must read about: How to Get into MIT from India?
If you have scored 75+ percentiles in the GMAT, GRE or SAT exams can opt for Shiksha Topper Counselling to get admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Or you can write to us in the comments below.
Why Study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) FAQs
Q. What are the best reasons to attend MIT?
A. Some of the best reasons to attend MIT are listed below:
- Strong academic reputation;
- Affordable tuition fees;
- Inclusive and diverse community of students;
- Variety of generous scholarships and grants offered;
- Safe surroundings;
- Exceptional sports/recreation facilities; and
- Strong economy and job market in USA.
Q. How do I increase my chances of getting into MIT?
A. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the topmost university in the world and is highly selective when it comes to admissions. MIT takes a holistic approach for admissions, hence students students must be at the top of their class to study here. Also, they excel in activities outside class in order to enhances their chances of getting admitted in the university for their higher studies. In order to increase the chances of getting into MIT, here are some factors that students must consider:
- Focus on academic scores;
- Prepare for the standardized tests (if applicable) and English language proficiency tests ;
- Create a strong online application;
- Get involved in extracurricular activities;
- Get recommendation letters; and
- Write brilliant application essays.
Q. What is the average salary of MBA graduates of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
A. Massachusetts Institute of Technology produces some of the finest professionals and graduates ready to join the top industries. Each year top-industries in their area come to MIT to recruit from the talented pool of fresh graduates of the institute. As of 2023, the average salary of an MBA graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology is USD 168,095 (INR 1.39 Cr) per year and a median salary of USD 170,000 (INR 1.41 Cr). Additionally, the median signing bonus is USD 30,000 (INR 25 L).
Q. What are some tips and tricks for incoming freshmen in MIT University?
A. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the topmost university in the world and students across the world desire to study here. Listed below are some tips and hacks for students joining the MIT University:
- Indulge in research activities early on and do not procastinate studies or assignments;
- Do take advantage of the available resources;
- Build a healthy connection with the top-notch, experienced faculty members and take help when needed; and
- Participate in co-curricular activities and events, join clubs and do enjoy the social life.
Q. Has any Indian studied from Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
A. Yes, MIT has been home to a vast number of Indian students. Listed below are some of the Indians who are included in the list of Massachusetts Institute of Technology notable alumni:
- Raghuram Rajan: An Indian economist and the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- Nandan Nilekani: An Indian entrepreneur, who co-founded Infosys and is the non-executive chairman of Infosys
- Arvind Subramanian: An Indian economist and the former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India
- Jhumpa Lahiri: A British-American author, who is renowned for her short stories, novels, and essays in English
- N. R. Narayana Murthy: An Indian billionaire businessman, who is one of the seven co-founders of Infosys
Q: Â What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
Q: Â Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: Â What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: Â What are the requirements for admission into Purdue?
Purdue University application must have the following components:
Undergraduate Admissions
- The application itself
- Purdue-specific questions from the application
- Self-reported high-school grades
- Self-reported SAT or ACT scores (if applicable)
- Application fee
Steps to apply for Purdue University Undergraduate Courses
- First of all, complete and submit a Common application as per the Purdue University application deadlines
- Make sure that Purdue University receives all material required to complete the application
Graduate Admissions Steps
- Firstly, check Purdue University entry requirements
- Then, create an application account to start the application
- Choose the campus and course as per the preference
- Then, submit the results of the tests needed for the graduate program
- Prepare the additional documents based on the graduate program
- Lastly, pay the non-refundable application fee to submit the application. Purdue University graduate application fee is USD 75 for international applicants
Q: Â Which is better, UIC (University of Illinois Chicago) or NIU (Northern Illinois University)?
As per an unofficial source, the University of Illinois Chicago ranked at #80 among national universities which is better than the NIU ranking at #273 position. The UIC is also exceeding in terms of graduation rates and easier selection than NIU. However, the tuition cost is more affordable at Northern Illinois University as compared to UIC. Students can get more clarity from the comparison table given below:
Particulars | University of Illinois Chicago | Northern Illinois University |
|---|---|---|
US News National Rankings 2024 | #80 | #273 |
Acceptance Rate | 79% | 70% |
Graduation Rate | 40% | 33% |
Tuition Cost | UG: INR 22L-INR 49L PG: INR 13L-INR 37L | UG: INR 10L-INR 16.5L PG: INR 8L-INR 45L |
Student-faculty ratio | 17:1 | 14:1 |
Q: Â What is the decent score required on the ACT test to get a good university in the USA?
The definition of a good ACT score varies from university to country. However, to get into the top 100 universities, you must aim for a score higher than 31 on the ACT.
Q: Â What GPA do I need to get into Northwest Missouri state?
Northwest Missouri State University expects a cumulative GPA of 2 for UG programs and 3 for PG programs on a scale of 4. GPA is one of the top factors when considering students for university admissions. Along with GPA, the university expects a student to provide high school transcripts from previously attended university or school, standardized test scores, English language proficiency test scores, and more. In addition, students with relevant experience in the chosen field are preferred over the studious students.
Q: Â How much does it cost to attend the University of South Dakota?
The USD provides over 200 undergraduates and 80 master's programs in specializations such as Business Analytics, Business Administration, Accountancy, Computer Science, Mathematics, and more. The University of South Dakota tuition fees for international students range between INR 6L and INR 21L for graduates and around INR 10L for undergraduates. Students can check the table below for the tuition cost of the popular courses at the university:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MBA/PGDM (4 courses) | INR 10 L - 12 L |
MS (10 courses) | INR 9 L - 18 L |
BSN (1 course) | INR 11 L |
MIM (3 courses) | INR 10 L - 12 L |
BSc (30 courses) | INR 11 L |
BBA (14 courses) | INR 11 L |
BA (18 courses) | INR 11 L |
BE / BTech (4 courses) | INR 11 L |
MA (19 courses) | INR 10 L - 21 L |
PG Certificate (10 courses) | INR 7 L |
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There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.