How do IIT and MIT compare for me on acceptance rate, fees and starting salary?
IIT admits around 10 percent of JEE Advanced appearers, while MIT's acceptance rate is around 4.6 percent. IIT tuition is roughly INR 2 to 3.5 lakh a year against MIT's USD 66,720. Average starting salary is INR 20 to 28 lakh at IIT and USD 145,820 at MIT.
MIT is far more selective and far more expensive on paper, while IIT costs much less and offers a lower average starting salary. MIT's tuition is USD 66,720 (approx INR 64.10 L) a year, against roughly INR 2 to 3.5 lakh at an IIT.
IIT vs MIT quick comparison
| Particulars | IIT | MIT |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 23 campuses across India | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Entrance route | JEE Advanced | SAT or ACT plus holistic review |
| Acceptance rate | Around 10 percent of JEE Advanced appearers get a seat | Around 4.6 percent |
| Annual tuition (BTech or undergraduate) | INR 2 to 3.5 lakh | 66,720 (approx INR 64.10 L) |
| Total cost per year with living | INR 3 to 4.5 lakh | 92,760 (approx INR 89.11 L) full cost of attendance |
| QS World Ranking 2027 | IIT Delhi #118, IIT Bombay #134 | #1 |
| Average starting salary | INR 20 to 28 lakh, varying by IIT and branch | 145,820 (approx INR 1.40 crore) |
How to read these numbers
- The two acceptance rates are measured differently, so they are not a like-for-like comparison
- IIT salary figures vary by institute and branch
- MIT's cost figure is the full cost of attendance, which includes living expenses
My Advice
Decide on the whole picture, not one column. If budget is your main limit, an IIT gives strong value. If you can build a strong profile and expect aid, MIT is worth an application. Apply to both types of options rather than treating them as either or.
This information is available on: sfs.mit.edu, facts.mit.edu
Looking for a specific course in the USA?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
More Universities & admissions questions
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Can I pursue an MBA abroad after completing a Bachelor of Science degree?
More USA questions
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- By when do I need to submit my application for most UG and PG courses at UCLA?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?
- Is the scholarship available for the next intake in USA for a Master's?
- Which entrance exam should an average scoring 12th grade student prepare for to study abroad without family funding?