Stipends for Full-Time Research and Teaching Assistants
What is the increase over the current year?
In discussion with the Provost, Chancellor, and School Deans, we have established the new ranges for the monthly stipends of full-time research and teaching assistants for the 2022-23 academic year (AY2023).
Effective June 1, stipends will increase by 5.5% over current levels.
When combined with the special 3% stipend increase MIT provided last December, graduate student stipends will be 8.67% higher than they were at the start of this academic year. It’s important to remember that these new standard stipend rates will serve as a floor, because we give departments discretion to provide higher stipends. More than half of our students currently get paid above the standard rate.
What will my stipend be for AY2023?
RA STIPEND LEVELS
Doctoral
Monthly: $3,790
Annual (12 mo.): $45,480
High Range +15%: $52,302
SM Level
Monthly: $3,462
Annual (12 mo.): $41,544
High Range +15%: $47,776
TA STIPEND LEVELS
Contact
Monthly: $3,879
Annual (12 mo.): $46,548
High Range +15%: $53,530
Support
Monthly: $3,498
Annual (12 mo.): $41,976
High Range +15%: $48,272
How are the stipend rates established?
The Graduate Stipends Committee is charged with analyzing a wide range of factors related to graduate stipends, including cost of living, cost to grants, competitiveness, and community equity issues. The committee consists of two co-chairs, one of whom is a faculty member, the other a graduate student; a second faculty member; a staff representative of the Vice President for Research; a staff representative of the Vice President for Finance; and four other graduate students. This committee makes a recommendation to the MIT Deans’ Group. A decision is then made by the Provost, the Chancellor, and the Vice President for Research.
Why do stipend rates differ by department/School?
Departments have the flexibility to set their own rates within the Institute guidelines to ensure that they remain competitive within their discipline and in order to be responsive to budgetary constraints. Note: We have removed the option to set stipends at 10% below the approved baseline rate.
What if I experience financial issues and have trouble covering all of my needs, and those of my family?
Graduate students may be eligible for the following assistance programs:
- Guaranteed Transitional Support
- MIT Grant for Graduate Students with Children
- Graduate Student Short-Term Emergency Fund
- Doctoral Long-Term Financial Hardship Funding
For more information, please visit https://oge.mit.edu/finances/financial-assist/. Note: Students in non-residency status are eligible for emergency hardship funding.
There are also a number of resources at the Institute and elsewhere that can supply great planning information and can help if you experience financial challenges or unforeseen expenses.
- Food Insecurity. If you need immediate assistance with food—either a few meals or some groceries—please complete the Grad Student Food Resources Form.
- Financial Literacy. Each semester the OGE hosts monthly lunchtime workshops that cover a variety of financial literacy topics. Check out this semester’s workshops, including an upcoming session on graduate fellowships. Additionally, graduate students can inform decision-making and round out their financial knowledge with MIT’s iGrad portal. Setting up an account is free and is available for all MIT faculty, staff, students, spouses, and partners. In addition, Student Financial Services, Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD), and the International Students Office (ISO) also all offer guidance and workshops.
- Individual grants. Need a little extra for something specific? The Graduate Student Council provides a number of individual grants for expenses such as travel, professional development, athletic and performance activities, and more.
- Health Insurance Fees. You may be able to purchase insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector at www.mahealthconnector.org. Every Health Connector plan meets the requirements to waive the Extended Plan; the Health Connector also offers discounted coverage for eligible lower-income individuals. They can help you find a plan that fits your budget and needs.
Health Insurance
What will my insurance rates be next year? Will there be an increase over last year’s rate?
The cost of MIT Medical’s student health insurance will remain unchanged in the coming academic year. Last year, graduate students’ insurance costs decreased by approximately $180.
MIT Student Health Insurance Plan Rates: Academic Year 2022-2023 Rates
| Both Terms Sept. 1, 2022 – Aug. 31, 2023 |
Fall Term Only Sept. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023 |
Spring Term Only Feb. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2023 |
|
| Student | $3,089 | $1,287 | $1,802 |
| Student and spouse/partner | $6,754 | $2,814 | $3,940 |
| Student and dependent(s) | $4,209 | $1,754 | $2,455 |
| Family
Student, Spouse/Partner, and Dependent(s) |
$7,875 | $3,281 | $4,594 |
Note: Rates are inclusive of access to most services at MIT Medical without additional costs.
MIT Medical will send enrollment information in the late spring/early summer. Dental insurance rates will also be announced in the coming months.
Finally, the MIT Graduate Student Dental Plan will be available again for AY2023, but the new rates are not yet available from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. We will communicate with students directly as soon as new rate and benefit information is available.
How are these rates established?
Health insurance rates are based on a number of factors—most importantly, the cost of providing health care to members. The premiums collected from all members must cover the total cost of care plus the administrative expenses required to manage the health plan. Every health plan must also maintain sufficient funds to protect against unexpected medical expenses.
Each year, MIT reviews changes in the amount of health care used in the past year (utilization) and the costs of that care (unit costs), as well as estimating the impact of new benefits, treatments and/or other market factors. In line with insurance industry standards, the final rates are calculated to cover these anticipated costs, along with those potential, unexpected medical expenses that are more difficult to predict.
Tuition and Fees
What is the cost of tuition and fees for AY2023?
Tuition and fees for AY2023 will be $57,986 ($57,590 tuition + a student life fee of $198 per term).