Graduate Research Assistant Tuition Rates and Subsidy

Tuition Rates

Graduate tuition rates are published by the Registrar’s Office. Different rates may apply depending on the program or type of student.

Institute Subsidies for Graduate Research Assistants

• Academic year: The Institute subsidizes 55% of tuition for graduate research assistants (RAs) proportionate to their effort; 45% is charged directly to sponsored research projects.
• Summer: The Institute may subsidize up to 100% of tuition for graduate research assistants (RAs) and other graduate students who are enrolled in research degree programs, are not enrolled in classes, and who meet other criteria. More information is available from the Registrar’s Office.

View historical tuition subsidies

Charging Tuition to Sponsored Research Projects

Graduate Student Appointment Policies (issued October 2023) provides information related to budgeting and charging RA salaries and tuition to sponsored projects; particular attention should be paid to the guidance for appointments that are less than full time (<100%).

Tuition is charged monthly, based on the Registrar's proration table. Use the forecasting calculator [XLSX] to calculate partial period GAP tuition proration and to project split distributions for appointment tuition amounts. Contact term-tuition@mit.edu with any questions.

Download the forecasting calculator [XLSX]

Cost Sharing

The academic year and summer tuition subsidies provided by the Institute may be used to meet cost-sharing requirements imposed by external sponsors, in line with MIT-provided Tuition Subsidy Guidelines.

Historical Tuition Subsidy Rates

^{Updated February 10, 2025}