Due to the flexible nature of SDM’s programs, student costs for tuition and fees vary.
Tuition for the forthcoming academic year is set each April in consultation with the MIT Corporation based on a recommendation from Academic Council.
Master’s Program
| High (course and/or thesis units totaling more than 36) | $31,400 per term |
| Medium (course and/or thesis units totaling 16 to 36) | $21,000 per term |
| Low (core only or course and thesis units totaling up to 15) | $12,800 per term |
| Distance Fee (optional) | $0 |
| Off-campus internship tuition | $645 per unit |
| MIT Student Life Fee (on-campus students) | $203 per term ($406 annually) |
Your total cost per year will vary depending on how many terms (semesters) you take to complete the degree. We strive to keep the cost balanced across the entire degree depending on whether you are taking a high, medium, or low-credit option.
These rates are effective from 6/1/2023 to 5/31/2024.
| High (course and/or thesis units totaling more than 36) | $32,400 per term |
| Medium (course and/or thesis units totaling 16 to 36) | $21,600 per term |
| Low (core only or course and thesis units totaling up to 15) | $13,200 per term |
| Distance Fee (optional) | $0 |
MIT sets the rates for internship tuition and the student life fee. Those rates have not yet been published for the 2024-2025 school year, but we will add them to this page when they are made public.
These rates are effective from 6/1/2024 to 5/31/2025.
For general information on tuition and fees related to registration, please visit the MIT Registrar’s website.
Certificate Program
| Certificate Fall & Spring (each) | $12,800 per term |
| Certificate Summer (Capstone) | $3,200 per term |
Certificate students may also make a single upfront payment of $28,800 for the entire program, including both fall and spring terms and the summer capstone term.
These rates are effective from 9/1/2023 to 8/31/2024.
| Certificate Fall & Spring (each) | $13,200 per term |
| Certificate Summer (Capstone) | $3,300 per term |
Certificate students may also make a single upfront payment of $29,700 for the entire program, including both fall and spring terms and the summer capstone term.
These rates are effective from 9/1/2024 to 8/31/2025.
Health Insurance
The MIT Student Medical plan is included in the cost of tuition and covers most services at MIT Health. All students are also automatically enrolled in the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan which meets state and federal health insurance requirements. If you have private insurance (for example, through your employer) which meets these same requirements, you may choose to waive the cost of the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan. Learn more about MIT Student Health Insurance Plan rates and coverage.
Associated Costs
In addition to tuition, students will have costs associated with either on-campus or distance options. Program-related costs can be broken down into three categories:
- Costs associated with attending sessions on the MIT campus, including travel, lodging (for distance students) and meals
- General housing costs as needed
- Connection costs related to distance learning
MIT has estimated the following costs for the 2023-2024 academic year for students taking the on-campus option. Please note that these are estimates and will vary depending on housing (on-campus or off-campus), courses taken, etc. SDM does not have a required summer term, but if you plan to stay in the Cambridge area over the summer the 12-month cost may apply.
| Expense | 9-month cost | 12-month cost |
| Fees | $406 | $406 |
| Health insurance | $3,237 | $3,237 |
| Housing | $17,865 | $23,820 |
| Food | $7,095 | $9,460 |
| Books, course materials, supplies & equipment | $1,050 | $1,400 |
| Personal | $7,065 | $9,420 |
| Transportation | $2,571 | $3,428 |
| Total estimated non-tuition costs | $39,289 | $51,171 |
For more detailed information regarding these categories, including the explanation of each category, please visit the SFS website.
Additional Information
Students may audit subjects as a listener for self-enrichment. These courses do not count toward degree requirements. SDM has set the following limits of units that may be taken as a listener:
High tuition: 36 units maximum
Medium tuition: 24 units maximum
Low tuition: 12 units maximum
For more information on listener status, please visit the MIT Registrar’s Office website.
SDM students who complete their thesis early or withdraw during the term may qualify for tuition proration.
For additional information or to inquire about specific tuition situations, please use our contact form.
Last updated 3/14/2024.