Massachusetts Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate

MIT, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is renowned for its rigorous admissions process and exceptional academic programs. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), MIT reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 4.0%, reflecting its status as one of the most selective universities in the world. This low rate is influenced by a consistently high applicant pool—over 33,000 students applied for a limited number of spots—and growing interest in STEM fields. MIT publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing detailed insights into applicant demographics and acceptance trends. For the most accurate and up-to-date data, prospective students can visit mitadmissions.org.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 4.0% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 1,300 students admitted out of over 33,000 applicants, marking a slight decrease from the previous year.
• Early Action Rate: 4.5%, with a higher proportion of admitted students compared to regular decision, as MIT offers a non-binding Early Action option.
• International Student Rate: Estimated at 3.0%, reflecting increased competition due to limited spots for non-U.S. applicants; exact figures for the current cycle are unavailable but align with historical trends.

Over the past decade, MIT’s acceptance rate has trended downward, driven by a surge in applications and the university’s commitment to maintaining a small, highly selective class size. The Early Action cycle often sees slightly higher acceptance rates, encouraging early applicants, though the overall competitiveness remains intense. Compared to peer institutions like Stanford and Harvard, MIT’s selectivity is on par, with rates consistently below 5%. International student admissions face additional challenges due to visa constraints and a smaller allocation of spots, further lowering their acceptance likelihood. As application numbers continue to rise globally, MIT’s admissions process is expected to remain highly competitive, emphasizing academic excellence, innovation, and fit with the institute’s mission.