MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
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- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Life as a CSAIL graduate student combines intense intellectual engagement with the broader MIT community experience. Research groups function as close-knit teams where students collaborate on challenging problems under faculty guidance. The Stata Center, CSAIL's architecturally distinctive home designed by Frank Gehry, provides collaborative spaces, research laboratories, and common areas that encourage spontaneous interaction. The building's unconventional design reflects the creative, boundary-pushing culture that characterizes CSAIL research. Graduate students balance research demands with coursework during their first two years, transitioning to full-time research as they advance toward the doctoral candidacy examination. The qualifying process involves both written and oral components designed to ensure breadth of knowledge and depth in the student's specialization. Students typically spend five to six years completing the doctorate, with some variation based on research trajectory and publication requirements. The department provides financial support through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowship funding throughout the program. Social activities within CSAIL include regular tea times, research group outings, and laboratory-wide events. The broader MIT community offers extensive extracurricular opportunities from athletic facilities to student organizations spanning every interest. Housing options include graduate dormitories and nearby Cambridge apartments, though the competitive rental market makes early housing search essential. The Cambridge and Boston area provides vibrant cultural and recreational opportunities, from museums and theaters to outdoor activities along the Charles River. International students form a significant portion of the CSAIL community, contributing diverse perspectives and creating a globally connected research environment.
Location & Surroundings
CSAIL occupies the Ray and Maria Stata Center on MIT's campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This iconic building, completed in 2004, features the unconventional architectural style of Frank Gehry with tilting towers, cascading walls, and unexpected angles that make it one of Boston's most recognizable structures. The location places CSAIL at the heart of one of the world's most concentrated technology ecosystems, with neighboring institutions including Harvard University, numerous biotech companies, and the innovation clusters of Kendall Square. Cambridge offers the quintessential New England college town experience combined with access to a major metropolitan area. Public transportation via the MBTA subway (the "T") connects the campus to Boston and surrounding areas, making car ownership unnecessary for most students. The city features historic neighborhoods, diverse dining options, and cultural attractions ranging from independent bookstores to world-class museums. Winters are cold with significant snowfall, while summers offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. The cost of living ranks among the highest in the United States, with housing costs particularly elevated near campus. The greater Boston area provides extensive professional opportunities through its concentration of technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and research universities. Major employers including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and numerous startups maintain significant Boston-area presence, creating abundant internship and career opportunities. Logan International Airport, located across the harbor from Cambridge, offers direct flights to major domestic and international destinations. The combination of academic prestige, industry proximity, and urban amenities makes the Cambridge location particularly attractive for computing researchers.
Costs & Career Outcomes
MIT graduate tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $61,000, though this cost is typically covered by research or teaching assistantships for doctoral students. CSAIL doctoral students receive full tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipends currently around $48,000 annually. The funding package generally continues for the duration of the doctoral program assuming satisfactory progress. Living expenses in Cambridge add approximately $25,000-35,000 annually depending on housing choices and lifestyle. Career outcomes for CSAIL graduates rank among the strongest in computing. Doctoral recipients pursue faculty positions at leading research universities, research scientist roles at major technology companies, or entrepreneurial ventures launching startups. Recent graduates have accepted faculty positions at institutions including Stanford, Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, and Oxford. Industry placements span Google Research, Microsoft Research, Meta AI, Amazon, Apple, and numerous AI-focused startups. Starting salaries for industry research scientists typically exceed $200,000 in total compensation, while faculty positions offer competitive academic salaries with potential for consulting and startup involvement. The CSAIL alumni network extends throughout the technology industry and academic computing world. Former students hold leadership positions at major technology companies, direct research laboratories, and shape computing education worldwide. The laboratory maintains active connections with alumni through reunion events, research collaborations, and advisory relationships. Career services support includes job posting access, interview preparation, and networking events connecting current students with potential employers. The MIT brand combined with CSAIL research training creates exceptional career opportunities across the full spectrum of computing-related positions.
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