Graduate Housing Rate Setting

Our approach to rate-setting takes into account several factors, including increases in operational and maintenance costs along with current housing market conditions in Boston and Cambridge. This strategy is informed by the Graduate Housing Working Group composed of student leaders, Heads of House, and Institute leaders. MIT developed this approach to fulfill the following objectives:

• Keeping our housing prices below market rates consistently;
• Operating a quality and sustainable graduate housing system; and
• Providing financial support tailored to individual student situations.

As is the case with any housing system, rate increases are necessary to cover annual operating cost increases, including living wages for the hundreds of staff members who help keep our housing operation running 24/7. Additionally, high inflation has increased housing operations and utility costs.

MIT provides a range of housing options—single rooms, efficiencies, one-bedroom, and multi-bedroom units in a mix of newer and older buildings—so students have an array of price points to choose from.

2025-2026 Rates

Graduate student housing rates will increase by a weighted average of 4.25% for Academic Year (AY) 2025-2026. Rate increases will vary by unit type, ranging between 2% and 5.75%.

Additional Financial Support Resources

We know that housing makes up the largest portion of graduate student budgets, whether they live on- or off-campus. The Division of Student Life (DSL) and the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC) work closely to respond to the needs of graduate students as they navigate their MIT experience. The Institute provides students with a variety of additional financial resources such as short- and long-term funding, and grants for graduate students with children.

 

Additional Resources