Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) vs New York University (NYU)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and New York University (NYU) stand as two of the most prestigious universities in the United States, each offering a unique educational experience. MIT, renowned for its exceptional STEM programs, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of just 4.1%. NYU, on the other hand, offers a more diverse range of academic programs, including renowned arts and humanities departments, and a more accessible admissions process with an acceptance rate of 16.2%. While both universities attract talented students from around the world, MIT's student body leans towards science and engineering majors, while NYU's student body is more evenly distributed across various disciplines. With MIT's exceptional graduation rate of 94% and NYU's impressive 85% graduation rate, both institutions ensure that their students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about the differences between these two esteemed universities and determine which one aligns

	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	New York University
Overview
Location	Cambridge, Massachusetts	New York, New York
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	4-1-4	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	99.0%	94.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	4.1%	13.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $110
SAT range	N/A	1450 - 1570
ACT range	N/A	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score		23.0%
Students submitting ACT score		9.0%
Total number of applicants	33,240	95,517
Total number of admissions given out	1,365	12,380
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,177	6,097
Yield rate	86.2%	49.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$58,920	$79,746
Average net price	$30,958	$50,991
Tuition	$55,510	$53,770
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $11,550 Meal plan: $6,550	Room/dormitory: $14,232 Meal plan: $5,450
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $32,562	75.0% Average amount $25,047
Students receiving federal student loan	6.0% Average amount $5,112	25.0% Average amount $5,094
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $17,891	3.0% Average amount $37,948

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,638 Men 51.9% Women 48.1%	28,772 Men 41.8% Women 58.2%
Graduate students	7,296 Men 62.0% Women 38.0%	29,454 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	67.6%
International students	29.2%	30.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,280	13,063
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Texas New York Florida New Jersey	New York California New Jersey Texas Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Architecture Mathematics and Statistics	Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Engineering Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	3:1	8:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	96.2%	86.9%
Dropout rate	3.0%	6.5%
Transferred out	N/A	5.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $144,716 Year 2: $150,045 Year 3: $183,153 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $170,089 Year 2: $165,236 Year 3: $182,183 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $118,191 Year 2: $127,993 Year 3: $163,496 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $82,796 Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: $155,540 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $133,685 Year 2: $137,214 Year 3: $155,079 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $104,229 Year 2: $121,226 Year 3: $139,548 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $141,603 Year 2: $126,504 Year 3: $132,987 Mechanical Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $112,885 Year 3: $124,425 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $135,266 Year 2: $111,435 Year 3: $112,404 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $109,955 Year 2: $104,749 Year 3: $109,672	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $189,685 Year 2: $174,714 Year 3: $209,134 Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $178,151 Year 3: $180,551 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $148,198 Year 2: $145,543 Year 3: $162,625 Legal Professions and Studies, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $161,093 Year 2: $137,921 Year 3: $158,306 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,979 Year 2: $111,769 Year 3: $135,122 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,668 Year 2: $112,328 Year 3: $125,640 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $119,483 Year 2: $111,833 Year 3: $121,619 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,871 Year 2: $104,597 Year 3: $117,508 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $72,198 Year 2: $81,886 Year 3: $113,230 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,653 Year 2: $79,957 Year 3: $104,670

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between MIT and NYU?

MIT excels as a world-renowned science and technology powerhouse, emphasizing research and innovation in STEM fields. NYU, on the other hand, is a comprehensive global university with strengths in arts, humanities, social sciences, and professional programs like law and business. MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offering a campus-focused environment, while NYU is situated in the heart of New York City, providing a vibrant urban experience.
Which school is better for STEM fields?

MIT is generally considered the top choice for students specifically interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Its programs are consistently ranked among the best globally, and it offers unparalleled research opportunities and resources in these areas. While NYU has strong STEM programs, MIT's focus and reputation in these fields are unmatched.
Which school is better for arts and humanities?

NYU is generally considered stronger in arts and humanities. It boasts renowned programs in film, drama, creative writing, art history, and other related fields. MIT also offers programs in these areas, but they are not as central to its mission or as highly ranked as NYU's.
How do the campus environments differ?

MIT offers a more traditional, campus-focused environment in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The campus is relatively self-contained, fostering a strong sense of community among students. NYU, located in New York City, provides a more integrated urban experience. Students are immersed in the city's culture, entertainment, and professional opportunities, but the campus is less defined.
What are the tuition costs and financial aid opportunities like at MIT and NYU?

Both MIT and NYU have high tuition costs. However, both institutions also offer generous financial aid packages. MIT is known for its commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. NYU also provides need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants. It's crucial to explore the financial aid options at both schools to determine which is more affordable for your specific circumstances.
How do the student bodies compare in terms of size and diversity?

MIT has a smaller student body compared to NYU. This can lead to a more intimate and close-knit community. NYU, being a larger university, offers a more diverse student body in terms of backgrounds, interests, and academic pursuits. Both schools attract students from all over the world, contributing to a global perspective on campus.
What are the research opportunities like at MIT and NYU?

Both MIT and NYU offer extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. MIT is particularly renowned for its cutting-edge research in STEM fields, with numerous labs and centers dedicated to innovation. NYU also has a strong research presence, particularly in areas like medicine, social sciences, and the arts. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your field of study.
Which school is better for career opportunities after graduation?

Both MIT and NYU graduates are highly sought after by employers. MIT graduates are particularly well-regarded in STEM industries, while NYU graduates find success in a wider range of fields, including finance, media, arts, and law. NYU's location in New York City provides access to numerous internship and job opportunities. MIT's strong alumni network and reputation also open doors for its graduates.
What is the application process like for MIT and NYU?

Both MIT and NYU have highly selective admissions processes. They both require strong academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), compelling essays, and strong letters of recommendation. MIT places a strong emphasis on demonstrated interest and passion for STEM fields. NYU looks for students who are intellectually curious, engaged in their communities, and have a clear sense of purpose.
Do MIT and NYU have similar campus cultures?

While both are academically rigorous institutions, their campus cultures differ significantly. MIT's culture is often described as collaborative, intellectually intense, and focused on problem-solving. NYU's culture is more diverse and reflects the energy of New York City, with a greater emphasis on arts, culture, and social engagement. The best fit depends on your personal preferences and learning style.

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