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Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Smith College

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private institute in Cambridge, MA, and Smith College is a private college in Northampton, MA. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 21% at Smith College. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,111 a year against $27,579 at Smith College. About 96% of students graduate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, compared with 89% at Smith College. Ten years after enrolling, Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $143,372, against $64,027 for Smith College.

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private

Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cambridge, MA
Northampton, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,535
2,544
Acceptance rate
5%
21%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1520–1580
1420–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
32–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,111
$27,579
Full cost / yr
$82,730
$86,030
In-state tuition
$62,396
$65,178
Out-of-state tuition
$62,396
$65,178
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$1,363
$30k - $48k
$93
$3,737
$48k - $75k
$1,480
$6,559
$75k - $110k
$11,555
$11,750
Over $110k
$48,479
$40,477
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
89%
Freshman retention
99%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$131,633
$45,731
Median earnings (10 yr)
$143,372
$64,027
Median debt at graduation
$14,768
$17,550
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
18%
First-generation students
26%
19%
International students
12%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 15

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Smith College harder to get into?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 21% at Smith College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Smith College?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,111 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,579 at Smith College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Smith College?
Before aid, Massachusetts Institute of Technology costs about $82,730 a year and Smith College about $86,030. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Smith College?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,533 there, against about $1,363 at Smith College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Smith College?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the larger of the two, with about 4,535 undergraduates against 2,544 at Smith College.
Does Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Smith College have a better graduation rate?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 89% at Smith College.
Do graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Smith College earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $143,372 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,027 for Smith College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Smith College require SAT or ACT scores?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. Smith College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Smith College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1520–1580 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and 1420–1540 at Smith College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school