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The MIT Master of Finance (MFin) is one of the most sought-after finance programs worldwide. It’s designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals who want to build strong skills in finance and data-driven decision-making. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the tuition is $93,834 for the 12-month track and $128,820 for the 18-month track. Since the program is a big investment, it’s important to look at the full picture. In this blog, we cover the MIT MFin fees, living expenses, scholarships, and ROI to help you plan better.
MIT MFin Tuition Fees

Tuition cost for the MFin program for the 2025-2026 academic year is $93,834 for 12 months and $128,820 for 18 months
These tuition fees cover instruction, access to career development services, MIT facilities, and other academic resources. Keep in mind that tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase slightly from year to year. It’s crucial to consult the MIT Sloan official website for the latest figures before applying.
MIT does not charge different tuition rates for domestic and international students. Everyone pays the same, making financial planning easier for international applicants.
| Fee Component | Cost ($) |
| Fees (12 Months) | $93,834 |
| Fees (18 Months) | $128,820 |
Where Your Tuition Actually Goes
- World-Class Instruction: Learn from top researchers and practitioners in finance, economics, and data science.
- Industry Exposure: Attend workshops and seminars led by professionals from firms like BlackRock, JP Morgan, and McKinsey.
- Action Learning Labs: Real-world consulting projects in finance sectors where students solve live client challenges.
- Finance Research Facilities: Access to Bloomberg terminals, Capital IQ, and other professional-grade finance tools.
- Career Support: Personalized career coaching, resume reviews, interview prep, and recruiting events.
- MIT Student Life Access: Participate in finance clubs, conferences, and cross-campus events at one of the world's most vibrant academic ecosystems.
Every element of your tuition feeds into making you career-ready for top-tier jobs in the financial world.
Cost of Living in Cambridge for MIT MFin Students

Studying at MIT means living in Cambridge, Massachusetts—one of the most intellectually vibrant cities in the world. Home to both MIT and Harvard, Cambridge offers unmatched access to innovation hubs, cultural diversity, and academic energy. But along with the MIT MFin fees, you’ll also need to factor in the high cost of living, as Cambridge is one of the more expensive student cities in the U.S., especially for rent and daily expenses.
- Housing & Utilities – $1,600/month: Rent in Cambridge is among the highest in Massachusetts. Most MFin students either live in shared off-campus apartments or MIT graduate housing. While living alone could raise costs significantly, sharing a 2- or 3-bedroom apartment helps reduce rent and utility bills. Utilities (electricity, water, internet) typically range from $150 to $250 per month and are often included in off-campus housing estimates.
- Food – $600/month: MIT doesn’t mandate meal plans for graduate students, so food costs largely depend on your habits. Students who cook at home and buy groceries from affordable stores like Trader Joe’s or Market Basket can stay within budget. Eating out regularly, however, can quickly push costs higher. Many international students find cooking to be a budget-friendly and healthier option.
- Transportation – $120/month: Cambridge has reliable public transit through the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority), including buses and subway lines. MIT also offers free campus shuttles. Most students don't need a car. A monthly MBTA pass costs around $90, but discounts are often available for students.
- Health Insurance – $3,200/year: MIT requires all students to have health insurance. Most students are automatically enrolled in the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (MIT SHIP), which costs approximately $3,200 annually. While you can waive this if you have a comparable U.S.-based plan, most international students retain MIT SHIP due to its comprehensive coverage and on-campus health services.
- Personal Expenses – $300/month: This includes laundry, phone bills, clothes, toiletries, and leisure activities. Since Cambridge has plenty of free or student-discounted events, careful spending can keep this category affordable. Occasional travel or weekend trips may increase this amount slightly.
- Books & Supplies – $1,000/year: Course materials, books, and subscriptions to financial databases or journals may cost around $1,000 per year. Some professors provide free online resources, and many students share or buy used books to reduce costs. MIT libraries also offer excellent resources for free.
To help students plan their finances, MIT provides an estimated cost of living for one academic year. Below is a breakdown of typical annual expenses for an MFin student:
| Expense Type | Estimated Monthly Cost | Annual Cost (12 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing & Utilities | $1,600 | $19,200 |
| Food | $600 | $7,200 |
| Transportation | $120 | $1,440 |
| Health Insurance | — | $3,200 |
| Personal Expenses | $300 | $3,600 |
| Books & Supplies | — | $1,000 |
| Total | ~$35,000 - $37,000 |
Scholarships & Financial Aid at MIT

MIT Sloan understands that pursuing a world-class degree like the MFin program is a significant financial commitment. With MIT MFin fees ranging from $93,834 for the 12-month track to $128,820 for the 18-month track, the costs can feel overwhelming for many applicants. To help ease this burden, the school offers a variety of funding options for both domestic and international students. Here’s an in-depth look at the financial aid and scholarships available.
1. Merit-Based Fellowships
These fellowships are awarded automatically during the admission process—no separate application is required. They are based on a holistic review of the candidate’s profile, including academic excellence, leadership potential, and professional achievements. These awards vary in amount and are intended to recognize the most promising candidates across the applicant pool.
2. Endowed Fellowships
MIT Sloan also offers endowed fellowships funded by alumni and donors. These fellowships often come with specific eligibility requirements. Notable examples include:
- The Legatum Fellowship – For students interested in entrepreneurship in emerging markets.
- The Martin Trust Community Fellowship – Designed for students with a strong community impact or nonprofit leadership background.
3. External Scholarships for Indian Students
- JN Tata Endowment: Loan scholarship for higher studies abroad
- KC Mahindra Scholarships: Up to INR 8 lakhs
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation: For exceptional Indian students in top-tier programs
4. MIT Financial Aid Office
Assists graduate students with tools, planning, and connections to university-wide funding sources.
5. Assistantships (Rare for MFin)
Some MFin students may secure hourly-paid roles as TAs or RAs. These are competitive and limited.
Source: MIT MFin Scholarship official Page
Working Part-Time While Studying at MIT

If you're an international student at MIT on an F-1 visa, you're legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic semesters—but only in on-campus jobs. During official school breaks (summer, winter), you can work full-time on campus.
Common On-Campus Jobs for MFin Students
- Library Assistant: Helping with cataloging, checkouts, or student queries
- Research Assistant: Supporting professors or departments with finance-related research
- Event Support: Helping organize career fairs, MIT Sloan events, or guest lectures
- Pay Range: Typically $12 to $20 per hour, depending on the job and experience. While this won’t cover your tuition, it can help reduce monthly expenses like food or transportation.
MIT’s job portal and career services often list available positions for graduate students. However, jobs are competitive, so apply early.
Visa Rules and Work Restrictions
International students admitted to the MIT MFin program typically enter the U.S. on an F-1 visa. Understanding visa regulations is crucial for planning internships, part-time work, and post-graduation job opportunities. Here are the key work-related rules you need to know:
- F-1 Visa Basics: Most MIT MFin students hold an F-1 visa, which permits full-time study and limited work hours—up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the semester, and full-time during school breaks.
- On-Campus Work Opportunities: You can take up jobs like library assistant, research aide, or event support. These roles typically pay $12–$20/hour, helping cover minor living expenses.
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training): CPT allows you to intern during the program, usually after completing two semesters. The job must relate to your field of study and be approved by MIT’s International Students Office.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): After graduation, OPT gives you 12 months of work eligibility in the U.S., letting you begin your finance career right after the program ends.
- STEM OPT Extension: Since the MIT MFin is a STEM-designated program, you can extend your OPT by 24 more months, giving you up to 36 months total to work in the U.S.—a huge advantage for long-term career planning.
Sticking to these rules keeps you safe from any visa trouble under USA immigration laws. LBS also has a visa team that can answer questions if you’re not sure whether a job fits the rules.
ROI: Will MIT Pay You Back or Just Feel Expensive?
Getting accepted into MIT Sloan is a thrill until the MFin tuition bill hits. That’s when reality sets in and most students start asking: "Will this investment pay off?"
For most MIT MFin grads, the answer becomes clear pretty fast. Right after graduation, median base salaries hover around $120,000, with sign-on bonuses averaging $25,000. Within a few years, many graduates cross the $150,000+ mark as they move into senior roles or switch into high-paying sectors.
Where MIT MFin grads typically go:
- Finance: BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley
- Consulting: Bain, BCG, McKinsey
- Tech & Data: Amazon, Meta, FinTech firms
- Risk, Asset Management, Quant roles: in both U.S. and global markets
- About 90% of students secure full-time offers within 3 months of graduation. Many even get offers during internships or through pre-placement tracks.
Most students find their MIT MFin fees and living costs repaid within 2–4 years, thanks to high salaries and bonuses. But what really makes the program worth it is more than money—it’s the STEM OPT extension, access to elite global careers, and a lifelong network rooted in MIT’s brand.
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Conclusion
The MIT MFin program offers more than just academic excellence—it’s a gateway to global finance careers, strong ROI, and elite networks. While the MIT MFin fees and the cost of living in Cambridge are substantial, the high post-graduation salaries, strong placement rates, and extended STEM OPT make it a smart investment for ambitious professionals. With scholarships, on-campus job options, and a brand that opens doors worldwide, MIT ensures that cost doesn’t become a barrier for top talent. If you're ready to invest in a high-impact finance career, MIT MFin offers the value, credibility, and career boost to make it worthwhile.