Quick Facts: MIT for Veterans (2025-2026)
| Metric | MIT | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Ribbon Contribution | $5,400/year | $5,000 |
| Student Cap | Unlimited | 50 students |
| 6-Year Graduation Rate | 95% | 58% |
| Median Earnings (10 years) | $142,100 | $48,000 |
| Earnings vs National Median | +314% | – |
| Military Friendly Status | Yes | – |
Last updated: December 2025 | Sources: MIT SFS, College Scorecard
The MIT Advantage: Highest Earnings in the Nation
MIT graduates earn $142,100 at the 10-year mark – the highest of any university in the United States. That’s 314% above the national median.
$142,100Average earnings 10 years after enrollment vs. $48,000 national average |
Yellow Ribbon Program Details
2025-2026 Coverage Breakdown
| Benefit Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Post-9/11 GI Bill (max tuition) | $29,920.95 |
| MIT Yellow Ribbon Contribution | $5,400 |
| VA Yellow Ribbon Match | $5,400 |
| Total GI Bill + YR Coverage | $40,720.95 |
| MIT Tuition (2025-26) | $61,990 |
| Remaining Gap | $21,269.05 |
Important: MIT’s Need-Based Aid Closes the Gap
MIT meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students. For most veterans, MIT’s institutional grants cover the remaining gap after GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon. Many veterans pay $0 out of pocket.
Here’s how it works:
- VA pays base GI Bill benefit ($29,920.95)
- Yellow Ribbon adds $10,800 ($5,400 MIT + $5,400 VA match)
- MIT calculates remaining need and provides institutional grants
- Veterans with demonstrated need often receive full coverage
Contact: MIT Veteran Services
| VA Benefits Office | Student Financial Services |
| va@mit.edu | |
| Phone | (617) 258-8600 |
| Website | MIT Veterans Benefits |
| Graduate Students | Graduate Veterans Benefits |
Earnings by MIT Degree
MIT’s STEM focus produces some of the highest-earning graduates in the country:
| Degree Program | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|
| MBA (Sloan School) | $153,200 |
| Electrical Engineering (MS) | $143,300 |
| Systems Engineering (MS) | $130,600 |
| Computer Science (BS/MS) | $120,000+ |
| Finance (Sloan MBA) | $175,000 |
| Aerospace Engineering | $85,000 |
Comparison: MIT vs Other Top STEM Schools
| School | YR Contribution | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) | Top Field |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIT | $5,400 | 95% | $142,100 | Engineering |
| Stanford | $10,000 | 93% | $122,900 | CS/Business |
| Caltech | Varies | 93% | $112,000 | Physics/Eng |
| Georgia Tech | $3,000 | 90% | $85,000 | Engineering |
Why MIT Leads
- Highest 10-year earnings of any U.S. university ($142,100)
- 95% graduation rate – exceptional student success
- Unlimited Yellow Ribbon slots – no competition for spots
- Need-based aid covers remaining tuition gap
Veteran Support at MIT
1. MIT Veterans Association
Student organization connecting veterans across MIT’s schools. Provides networking, mentorship, and social events.
2. ROTC Programs
MIT hosts all three ROTC programs:
- Army ROTC – Paul Revere Battalion
- Navy/Marine ROTC
- Air Force ROTC
Active duty and veteran students can participate in ROTC communities even without scholarship obligations.
3. Lincoln Laboratory
MIT’s federally funded research lab focuses on national security technology. Strong hiring pipeline for veterans with security clearances.
4. Student Support Services
- Mental Health: MIT Medical provides counseling with veteran-experienced clinicians
- Disability: Student Disability Services coordinates accommodations
- Career: Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD) with defense/tech industry connections
Why Veterans Choose MIT
1. Defense Industry Connections
MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory and research partnerships with DoD create natural career paths for veterans:
- Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman recruit heavily from MIT
- Security clearance holders are in high demand
- Research positions leverage military technical experience
2. Technical Skills Alignment
Veterans with technical MOS backgrounds (signals, cyber, aviation, nuclear) find MIT’s curriculum builds directly on military training.
3. Problem-Solving Culture
MIT’s “mens et manus” (mind and hand) philosophy mirrors military emphasis on practical problem-solving.
Admissions for Veterans
Key Deadlines
- Undergraduate Early Action: November 1
- Undergraduate Regular: January 1
- Sloan MBA Round 1: September
- Sloan MBA Round 2: January
- Engineering Graduate: December 15
Required Documents
- MIT Application (undergraduate) or program-specific application (graduate)
- DD-214 (Member-4 copy)
- Joint Services Transcript (JST)
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions
- Letters of recommendation (2-3)
- Personal statement/essays
- GRE/GMAT scores (program dependent)
Veteran Application Tips
- Highlight technical experience: MIT values hands-on problem-solving
- Quantify leadership: Number of people led, budget managed, missions completed
- Show intellectual curiosity: Self-study, certifications, or projects during service
- Connect military to academic goals: Explain why MIT specifically advances your mission
Housing Allowance
The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for Cambridge, MA (02139) is approximately $3,100/month.
| Housing Option | Estimated Cost | MHA Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| MIT Graduate Housing | $1,200-1,800/month | Fully covered + surplus |
| Off-campus (Cambridge) | $2,000-3,500/month | Mostly covered |
| Off-campus (Somerville/Medford) | $1,500-2,500/month | Fully covered |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MIT’s lower Yellow Ribbon contribution a problem?
Not really. MIT’s $5,400 Yellow Ribbon is lower than some peers, but MIT meets 100% of demonstrated need with institutional grants. Most veterans pay $0 after all aid is applied.
How many veterans attend MIT?
MIT has a small but dedicated veteran community, with higher concentrations in the Sloan School of Management and engineering graduate programs.
Does MIT accept military credits?
MIT evaluates military training via the Joint Services Transcript (JST). Credit may be awarded for relevant technical training, though MIT’s curriculum is highly specialized.
What’s the acceptance rate for veterans?
MIT doesn’t publish veteran-specific admission rates, but organizations like Service to School report strong outcomes for veteran applicants with competitive profiles.
Next Steps
- Contact MIT VA office: va@mit.edu or (617) 258-8600
- Check GI Bill eligibility: VA Benefits Calculator
- Get free application help: Service to School
- Explore MIT: MIT Veterans Admissions
Sources
- MIT Student Financial Services – Veterans Benefits
- MIT Graduate Veterans Benefits
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
- VA Yellow Ribbon Participating Schools
Last Updated: December 2025 | Next Review: August 2026
This guide is for informational purposes only. Yellow Ribbon contributions, housing costs, and policies change annually. Verify all information directly with MIT before applying.
