Students at MIT achieve some of the highest earnings in American higher education, with graduates earning nearly $59,000 more than similar students at other institutions nationwide.
The combination of exceptional absolute earnings and extraordinary earnings beyond expectations places MIT among the most valuable educational investments available.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology stands among the most elite institutions in the country, delivering exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place it in the top 0.1% nationally for graduate earnings. With median 10-year earnings of $143,372 and graduates earning nearly $59,000 more than similar students at other institutions, MIT represents one of the strongest return-on-investment propositions in higher education. The institution's graduates consistently outperform expectations by extraordinary margins, reflecting both the caliber of students MIT attracts and the transformative value of its education.
MIT serves a highly selective student body, with about 19% of students receiving Pell Grants and 26% being first-generation college students. While access is limited compared to public institutions, those who do attend see remarkable outcomes regardless of background. Low-income students earn a median of $132,300 ten years after enrollment, placing MIT in the top 0.2% nationally for low-income student earnings.
As a world-renowned research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT combines cutting-edge academics with unparalleled industry connections. The institution's focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics creates graduates who command premium salaries and drive innovation across multiple sectors. For families who can access MIT through admissions and afford the costs, it represents an investment in some of the strongest career outcomes available in American higher education.
MIT's program portfolio centers on engineering and computer science, fields that consistently deliver exceptional financial returns and align with the institution's research mission. Computer Science stands out as both the largest program with 424 graduates and the highest aggregate return generator, producing median earnings of $127,993 that reflect strong demand for MIT-trained technologists. Electrical and Electronics Engineering achieves the highest individual earnings at $121,226, while Mechanical Engineering provides solid outcomes at $79,647 for a substantial cohort of 147 graduates.
What makes MIT distinctive is how even its lowest-earning programs deliver exceptional results by national standards. Aerospace Engineering, representing the institution's most modest earnings outcome in the available data, still produces median earnings of $83,177—well above typical outcomes for most fields at other institutions. This consistency reflects MIT's concentrated focus on STEM disciplines and its unmatched reputation among employers in technology, research, and innovation sectors.
The institution's program mix creates a portfolio where virtually every major leads to high-demand careers with substantial earning potential. MIT's deep industry connections, cutting-edge research opportunities, and alumni network ensure that graduates enter some of the most lucrative and fastest-growing sectors of the economy, explaining why the institution consistently delivers earnings outcomes that exceed even the highest expectations.
MIT graduates achieve extraordinary long-term earnings that consistently rank among the highest in the nation. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $143,372, with the institution ranking in the top 0.1% nationally for graduate earnings. Perhaps even more impressive is how much better MIT graduates perform compared to similar students elsewhere—they earn approximately $59,000 more than expected, representing one of the largest earnings premiums in higher education. This exceptional performance reflects both the quality of MIT's academic programs and the institution's unmatched reputation among employers.
The strongest financial outcomes come from MIT's core engineering and computer science programs. Computer Science, the institution's largest program with 424 graduates, produces median 10-year earnings of $127,993 and generates the highest aggregate return of any major. Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $121,226, while Mechanical Engineering, with 147 graduates, provides strong outcomes at $79,647. Even Aerospace Engineering, MIT's lowest-earning major in the data, still produces median earnings of $83,177—well above national averages for most fields.
MIT's concentrated focus on STEM disciplines creates a program portfolio where virtually every major leads to high-paying careers. The institution's deep connections to technology companies, research institutions, and innovative startups ensure that graduates enter some of the most lucrative and fastest-growing sectors of the economy. This combination of academic excellence and industry positioning explains why MIT consistently delivers earnings outcomes that exceed even the highest expectations.
Affordability at MIT varies dramatically by family income, reflecting the institution's commitment to need-based aid alongside its premium sticker price. Middle-income families typically pay around $4,621 annually, an exceptionally low figure that demonstrates MIT's generous financial aid for families earning moderate incomes. However, high-income families face annual costs of approximately $46,627, reflecting the full weight of MIT's premium pricing for those who don't qualify for substantial aid.
The institution's aid strategy creates a bifurcated affordability picture where families either receive significant support or pay close to full price. This approach makes MIT accessible to middle-income students who might otherwise be priced out of elite private education, while maintaining revenue from families with the highest ability to pay. For many middle-income families, MIT's net price compares favorably to flagship public universities, making it a surprisingly affordable option given the outcomes it delivers.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students, with typical federal loan debt of $14,768—relatively modest given MIT's earning potential. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $37,500, higher than at most institutions but reasonable considering graduates' exceptional earning capacity. The combination of strong aid for middle-income families and extraordinary post-graduation earnings creates a financial equation where MIT often represents excellent value despite its premium positioning.
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
