MIT Center for Quantum Engineering
- 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)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Graduate students in quantum engineering at MIT experience the broader MIT graduate culture while participating in a specialized research community. MIT's graduate student population of approximately 7,000 creates a diverse community of scholars pursuing advanced work across science and engineering. The quantum engineering community within this is relatively small but deeply engaged. Housing is available through MIT's graduate dormitories, though many students choose to live off-campus in Cambridge or nearby communities. The cost of living in the area is high, but graduate stipends are designed to be livable. Students often share apartments to reduce costs. Commuting to campus by public transit or bicycle is practical from most nearby neighborhoods. The pace of graduate research in quantum engineering is demanding. Experiments may require extended runs, and theoretical work demands sustained concentration. Students should expect to work evenings and weekends regularly, particularly as they progress toward dissertation completion. However, MIT provides resources for wellness and work-life balance, and most research groups maintain reasonable expectations. Student organizations bring together those interested in quantum computing and related fields. Seminars and journal clubs provide forums for learning about developments across the field. Conferences like the annual March Meeting of the American Physical Society offer opportunities to present research and network with the broader community. Social events within research groups and the center provide community beyond daily research. MIT's Cambridge location offers cultural, recreational, and entertainment options when students can step away from research. The concentration of universities in the Boston area creates a vibrant intellectual environment extending well beyond quantum science.
Location & Surroundings
MIT's main campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts hosts the Center for Quantum Engineering and associated research facilities. Quantum research occurs across multiple buildings, with specialized low-temperature laboratories, fabrication facilities at MIT.nano, and computational resources spread across campus. The campus sits along the Charles River, with views across to Boston and access to both cities' amenities. Cambridge combines urban density with the intimate scale of a city oriented around its universities. Walking and cycling handle most daily transportation needs, and the MBTA subway connects to Boston and surrounding areas. The concentration of technology companies in Kendall Square, immediately adjacent to MIT, creates an environment where academic research interfaces with industry. The climate features cold winters with snow and pleasant but humid summers. Students should prepare for extended cold weather from November through March. The campus and surrounding areas are well-maintained in winter, but appropriate clothing is essential. Boston's Logan International Airport provides domestic and international connections, approximately 20-30 minutes from campus depending on traffic. The Northeast corridor rail links Boston to New York and Washington, D.C. for convenient ground travel. The cost of living in Cambridge is high, particularly for housing. Rent for apartments in the area typically exceeds $2,000-2,500 for one-bedroom units, with shared accommodations reducing per-person costs. Graduate stipends account for these costs but do not provide luxurious living. Restaurants, entertainment, and cultural venues reflect Boston-area pricing. The concentration of quantum computing activity in the Boston area includes not only MIT but also Harvard, industry research labs, and quantum computing startups. This ecosystem creates networking opportunities and potential employment pathways.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Ph.D. students in MIT programs connected to quantum engineering typically receive full funding including tuition, health insurance, and a stipend of approximately $42,000-48,000 annually. This funding comes through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or fellowships, and covers living expenses in the Cambridge area. The primary investment for doctoral students is time rather than money. Ph.D. programs typically require 5-6 years, during which students forego salaries they might earn in industry. However, the compensation for Ph.D. holders in quantum computing is substantial, making this investment worthwhile for most graduates. Career outcomes for MIT quantum engineering graduates are strong and diverse. Academic positions at research universities represent one pathway, with MIT graduates holding faculty positions at leading institutions. Industry research labs at Google, IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, and quantum computing startups actively recruit MIT doctoral graduates. Starting salaries at major technology companies typically exceed $150,000, with total compensation potentially significantly higher. The quantum computing industry is growing rapidly, creating substantial demand for trained researchers and engineers. MIT graduates are well-positioned to lead this field as it matures. Entrepreneurial opportunities exist for those interested in founding quantum technology companies, with MIT's strong startup culture and the regional quantum ecosystem providing support. Career services at MIT help students navigate academic and industry job markets. The MIT network in quantum computing is extensive, with alumni at major companies and universities willing to assist current students. Conferences and center events provide networking opportunities. The combination of MIT's brand recognition and specific quantum expertise creates excellent career positioning.
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