Logo of Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, United States • Founded 1861 • World Rank #16

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

English Name: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Acronyms: MIT
Founded: 1861
Institution Type: Institute of Technology
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #16
Rank in United States: #4
Motto: Mens et Manus
Colours: Cardinal red and steel gray
Mascot: Tim the Beaver
Massachusetts Institute of Technology principal campus
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Established in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Cambridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.

Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 162-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

MIT also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Massachusetts Institute of Technology's contact information and physical address — the basics you'll want before applying or visiting. Bookmark this page as a single reference point during the application cycle.

Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue
Postal Code: 02139-4307
Map:
Phone: +1 (617) 253 1000
Fax: +1 (617) 258 8762
Social Media:

Academic Details

The figures below cover Massachusetts Institute of Technology's academic scale, faculty depth, and recognised standing. Treat the enrolment count as a point-in-time snapshot; trends require multi-year comparison.

Recognition: New England Commission of Higher Education
Total Students: 4,535
Student Enrollment: 10
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) Association of American Universities (AAU) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Association of Independent Technological Universities (AITU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The internal academic structure of Massachusetts Institute of Technology — by faculty, school, and unit. Research-only units exist alongside teaching units; their function and student involvement differ.

Unit 6 items
  • School of Architecture and Planning
  • School of Arts and Social Sciences
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Management and Humanities
  • School of Science
  • Whitaker College of Health Sciences and Technology

Programs Offered

Massachusetts Institute of Technology's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.

244 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 132 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering (Course 16)
Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology (Course 21A)
Bachelor's Degree in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology and Materials
Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology and Materials (Course 3-C)
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Course 4)

Showing 10 of 132.

Master's Degree 46 programmes

Master's Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Master's Degree in Architectural Sciences and Technology
Architecture
Master's Degree in Architecture
Architecture
Master's Degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Physics & Astronomy
Master's Degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Climate Studies & Meteorology
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Master's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration

Showing 10 of 46.

Doctorate 35 programmes

Doctorate in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Doctorate in Architectural Sciences and Technology
Architecture
Doctorate in Architecture
Architecture
Doctorate in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Physics & Astronomy
Doctorate in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Climate Studies & Meteorology
Doctorate in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Doctorate in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Doctorate in Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering

Showing 10 of 35.

Other Programs 31 programmes

Biological Oceanography
Doctor of Philosophy in Aeronautics and Astronautics Fields
Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Brain and Cognitive Sciences Fields
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry
Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences Fields
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science and Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics

Showing 10 of 31.

How to apply to Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology's catalogue includes 244 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Massachusetts Institute of Technology's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Submit your completed application through Massachusetts Institute of Technology's official website at www.mit.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (617) 253 1000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Massachusetts Institute of Technology, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

When did Massachusetts Institute of Technology open?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology traces its founding to 1861 (approximately 165 years ago).

Where is Massachusetts Institute of Technology located?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is located in Cambridge, United States.

Is Massachusetts Institute of Technology public or private?

It is a private higher-education institution.

What is the student enrolment at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?

Student enrolment at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is around 10,000-14,999.

How is Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranked?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ranked #16 globally and #4 in United States.

How is Massachusetts Institute of Technology organised academically?

The institution comprises 6 academic units.

Who recognises Massachusetts Institute of Technology?

The institution holds recognition from New England Commission of Higher Education.

What is Massachusetts Institute of Technology's official website?

The institution's website is www.mit.edu.

Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)

Universities affiliated with Association of American Universities (AAU) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Massachusetts Institute of Technology's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.

Faculties at nearby universities

Industry placements and co-op programmes around Massachusetts Institute of Technology draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Choosing the right Liberal Arts programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across the United States cover the same discipline as Massachusetts Institute of Technology from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.

Universities Compared with Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Massachusetts Institute of Technology: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.

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