MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Life in the AeroAstro department at MIT is characterized by intense academic demands balanced with a strong sense of community among students who share a passion for flight and space. The department occupies Building 33 and portions of Building 37, housing laboratories, classrooms, and student workspace where undergraduate and graduate students often work side by side on research projects. Housing for AeroAstro students follows MIT's general residential system. Undergraduates typically live in one of the eleven dormitories on campus, with first-year students guaranteed housing. Graduate students often reside in off-campus apartments in Cambridge or nearby Somerville, though limited graduate housing exists at MIT. The competitive Boston-area rental market means housing costs consume a significant portion of student budgets. Student organizations specific to aerospace include the MIT Rocket Team, which designs and launches high-powered rockets in intercollegiate competitions, and the MIT Electric Vehicle Team. The AIAA student chapter connects students with industry professionals through networking events and technical presentations. The department also supports participation in design competitions sponsored by organizations like NASA and the American Helicopter Society. The social scene among AeroAstro students often revolves around late nights in laboratories and project workspaces, with pizza runs and coffee breaks providing informal bonding opportunities. Graduate students particularly form close cohorts with their research group peers. The department hosts regular seminars featuring visiting researchers and industry leaders, followed by receptions that facilitate networking. Diversity remains a persistent challenge in aerospace engineering nationally, though MIT actively recruits and supports underrepresented groups. Women comprise approximately 30% of AeroAstro students, above the national average but still reflecting industry-wide disparities. International students bring global perspectives to discussions of aerospace challenges. Mental health resources through MIT Medical and departmental support networks help students manage the high-pressure environment, though students frequently report significant stress during exam periods and thesis milestones.
Location & Surroundings
The MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics is located on MIT's main campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, directly across the Charles River from Boston. Cambridge functions as an intellectual hub, home to both MIT and Harvard University, creating a concentration of academic and research activity unmatched almost anywhere in the world. The campus sits in an urban environment with easy access to public transportation via the MBTA Red Line, with the Kendall/MIT station providing direct connections throughout the greater Boston area. Logan International Airport lies approximately 15 minutes away, facilitating travel for conferences and internships. Most students navigate campus on foot or bicycle, though the harsh New England winters from December through March make indoor connectors between buildings particularly valued. Boston's climate features four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching the 80s and cold winters frequently dropping below freezing with regular snowfall. Spring and fall offer mild, pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities. The area's cost of living ranks among the highest in the nation, with rent for modest apartments starting around $2,000 monthly. The surrounding area offers significant advantages for aerospace students. The Route 128 corridor hosts numerous aerospace and defense contractors, including Raytheon and Draper Laboratory, providing internship and employment opportunities. Lincoln Laboratory, an MIT-affiliated federally funded research center, lies just outside Boston and employs many AeroAstro students for research projects. The proximity to these organizations means industry speakers regularly visit campus and recruiters maintain strong relationships with the department. Cambridge provides typical college-town amenities including restaurants, cafes, and bookshops along Massachusetts Avenue. Boston offers world-class museums, professional sports, cultural institutions, and diverse neighborhoods to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts can access hiking and skiing within a few hours' drive to New Hampshire's White Mountains.
Costs & Career Outcomes
The cost of attendance at MIT for both undergraduate and graduate studies in Aeronautics and Astronautics reflects the broader MIT financial structure. Current annual tuition exceeds $57,000, with room and board adding approximately $18,000 and additional expenses bringing total annual costs near $80,000 for undergraduates. Graduate students face similar tuition costs, though most doctoral students receive full funding through research or teaching assistantships. MIT meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted undergraduates, with the average financial aid package exceeding $55,000 annually. Approximately 60% of undergraduates receive need-based aid, and the university provides loan-free financial aid packages for families with incomes below $140,000. Graduate students in doctoral programs typically receive full tuition coverage plus stipends currently around $45,000 annually for living expenses. Career outcomes for AeroAstro graduates rank among the strongest in engineering education. Placement rates exceed 95% within six months of graduation, with starting salaries for bachelor's degree recipients averaging $85,000-$95,000 and reaching $120,000+ for doctoral graduates entering industry. Top employers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon Technologies. The department's career services work closely with MIT's overall career development office to connect students with recruiting opportunities. Multiple career fairs throughout the year bring hundreds of employers to campus, with aerospace and defense companies representing a significant presence. The annual AeroAstro Industry Conference specifically brings together students and employers in the field. Approximately 30% of bachelor's graduates continue to graduate school, either at MIT or peer institutions. Doctoral graduates split roughly evenly between academic positions at research universities and senior technical roles in industry or government laboratories. The alumni network provides exceptional career support, with graduates holding leadership positions throughout the aerospace industry, government agencies, and academia. Average mid-career salaries for aerospace engineers from MIT typically exceed $150,000, with many reaching executive positions commanding significantly higher compensation.
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