MIT is well known for its highly selective academic programs in computer science and engineering. Most people, however, aren’t aware that MIT also has distinguished programs in the humanities, social sciences, architecture, and business. It’s worth noting that the MIT Sloan School of Management even offers a full undergraduate business program, unlike Stanford.
MIT has a core curriculum with humanities and science courses required for all students. Like Williams College, MIT students take 4 courses per semester and typically declare their major by end of freshman year.
For those students who want even more varied course offerings, MIT does cross-register with Harvard, Wellesley, and Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Every MIT student must pass the swim test to graduate, like Columbia University.
MIT started the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, now adapted at many other universities across the country. About 85% of MIT students take advantage of these research opportunities, which can be done for course credit or stipend.
MIT Acceptance Rate: 4%
Freshmen retention: 98%
Freshmen from out of state: 93%
4-year Graduation rate: 84%
Most popular majors: mechanical engineering, computer science/engineering, electrical engineering/computer science
MIT is renowned for its rigorous academic environment, where innovation and practical application of knowledge are at the forefront. The institute’s commitment to a well-rounded education is evident in its core curriculum, which mandates courses in both humanities and sciences, ensuring students develop a broad intellectual foundation. Like Williams College, MIT students typically manage a load of four courses each semester, declaring their major by the end of their freshman year, which allows for deep dives into specialized fields early on.
All freshmen and approximately 90% of upperclassmen live on campus. Housing is guaranteed for four years, which is especially true for the majority of MIT students who are from outside Massachusetts. Similar to the housing system at CalTech, MIT students can choose where they want to live.
MIT has the most varsity sports of any Division 3 school, with 20% student participation. In addition to athletics, there are over 500 clubs, 70-80 of which are performing arts clubs. Half of the guys at MIT pledge a fraternity.
MIT offers only need-based scholarships, with 100% of need met. For students with family incomes of $75,000 and under, MIT ensures that those students do not pay anything for tuition. Although the cost of attendance is $67,000, the average need-based financial aid package is $39K. About 90% of students receive scholarships/financial aid.
Similar Colleges to Consider:
CalTech, Rochester Institute of Technology, UC Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania
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