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MIT vs NYU

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

3.9% MIT acceptance
12.2% NYU acceptance
$20,744 MIT cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

MIT
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1861
Enrollment
11,858
Setting
Urban
NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition MIT saves $2,198
MIT
$58,240
NYU
$60,438
Acceptance Rate MIT more selective
MIT
3.9%
NYU
12.2%
Graduation Rate MIT higher
MIT
95%
NYU
87%
Avg SAT Score MIT higher
MIT
1556
NYU
1480
Starting Salary MIT higher
MIT
$104,800
NYU
$74,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric MIT NYU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$58,240$60,438MIT
Tuition (In-State)$58,240$60,438MIT
Room & Board$18,590$21,578MIT
Acceptance Rate3.9%12.2%MIT
Graduation Rate95%87%MIT
Average SAT15561480MIT
Student-Faculty Ratio3:18:1MIT
Enrollment11,85859,144-
Avg Financial Aid$46,890$38,960MIT
Starting Salary$104,800$74,100MIT
Endowment$27.4B$6.2BMIT
Campus Size168 acres230 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

MIT
$307,320
4-year total (private)
VS
NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: MIT = $119,760 | NYU = $172,224. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

MIT Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringMathematicsPhysicsBiology

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MITUrban
NYUUrban
Campus Size
MIT168 ac
NYU230 ac
Athletics
MITNCAA D3
NYUNCAA D3
Region
MITNortheast
NYUNortheast
Founded
MIT1861
NYU1831
Enrollment
MIT11,858
NYU59,144

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is MIT or NYU harder to get into?+
MIT is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.9% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, MIT or NYU?+
At sticker price, MIT costs less over 4 years ($307,320 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. MIT offers an average of $46,890/year in aid while NYU offers $38,960/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for MIT and NYU?+
The average SAT score at MIT is 1556 and at NYU it is 1480. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do MIT or NYU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of MIT have a higher average starting salary ($104,800 vs $74,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
MIT has a 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio while NYU has 8:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do MIT and NYU compare for campus life?+
MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 168-acre campus. NYU is in New York, New York (urban setting) with 230 acres. MIT competes in NCAA D3 athletics and NYU in NCAA D3.