What happens to the rate increase if a student has a partial fellowship award and a partial RA or TA appointment?
The rate increase will apply on a prorated basis to their fellowship award only.
What are the rates for graduate students receiving support for AY25?
The rate will be increased by 3.5% in 2024-2025. Effective June 1, 2024 the rates, presented in full for reference, will be as follows:
RA STIPEND LEVELS
Doctoral
Monthly: $4,134
Annual (12 mo.): $49,614
High Range +15%: $57,056
SM Level
Monthly: $3,777
Annual (12 mo.): $45,320
High Range +15%: $52,118
TA STIPEND LEVELS
Monthly: $4,232
Annual (12 mo.): $50,779
High Range +15%: $58,396
INSTRUCTOR G STIPEND LEVELS
Monthly: $4,866
Annual (12 mo.): $58,396
High Range +15%: $67,155
FELLOWSHIP STIPEND LEVELS
Doctoral
Monthly: $4,134
Annual (12 mo.): $49,614
High Range +15%: $57,056
SM Level
Monthly: $3,777
Annual (12 mo.): $45,320
High Range +15%: $52,118
What will the student health insurance rates be for next year?
The cost of MIT Health’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is detailed below.
| Enrollment type | Full year Sept. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025 | Fall term only Sept. 1, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | Spring/Summer term only Feb.1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025 | Summer term only Jun.1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025 |
| Student | $3,603.00 | $1,501.00 | $2,102.00 | $900.00 |
| Student and partner | $7,878.00 | $3,282.00 | $4,596.00 | $1,970.00 |
| Student and dependent(s) | $4,909.00 | $2,046.00 | $2,863.00 | $1,228.00 |
| Family | $9,186.00 | $3,826.00 | $5,360.00 | $2,296.00 |
MIT Health will send enrollment information to students in the late spring/early summer.
The MIT Graduate Student Dental Plan will be available again for AY2025. Rates have been held flat.
What are some resources for students facing challenges in covering all of their needs, or those of their family?
Graduate students may be eligible for the following assistance programs:
- Guaranteed Transitional Support
- MIT Grant for Graduate Students with Children
- Graduate Student Short-Term Emergency Fund
- Doctoral Long-Term Financial Hardship Funding
Fellows are also eligible for an annual needs-based supplemental grant of up to $10,000 for students with dependent children.This is in addition to the need-blind Grant for Graduate Students with Children. Students who meet the eligibility requirements for the needs-blind grant and who are on fellowships during the fall or spring award periods may apply for the supplemental grant.
For more information on financial assistance programs, please visit https://oge.mit.edu/finances/financial-assist/.
Note: Students in non-residency status are eligible for emergency hardship funding.
There are also a number of resources at the Institute and elsewhere that provide valuable information and can help if a student experiences financial challenges or unforeseen expenses. Please make sure your students are aware of the following resources:
- Food Insecurity. If you need immediate assistance with food — either a few meals or some groceries — please see the DoingWell resources.
- Financial Literacy. Visit the Manage Your Money page on the Student Financial Services site for budgeting and financial planning resources. In addition, Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD) and the International Students Office (ISO) offer occasional workshops on these topics.
- Health Insurance Fees. Full fellowship appointments typically cover insurance; if not, you may be able to purchase insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Every Health Connector plan meets the requirements to waive the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan; the Health Connector also offers discounted coverage for eligible lower-income individuals. They can help you find a plan that fits your budget and needs.
- Individual grants. Need a little extra for something specific? The Graduate Student Council provides a number of individual grants for expenses such as travel, professional development, athletic and performance activities, and more.
Why are the student health insurance rates going up?
The increase in health insurance is due to many external factors, including long-standing issues related to post-pandemic recovery, higher specialty drug costs, and the rising costs of certain types of patient care.
MIT’s comprehensive health insurance premiums still remain among the best-in-class and are very competitive with those of peer institutions. Rates are inclusive of access to most services at MIT Health without additional costs. Moreover, in addition to OGE’s GradSupport, students benefit from having on-site mental and behavioral health care resources.
As mentioned above, fellows can take advantage of an annual needs-based supplemental grant of up to $10,000 for students with dependent children and apply for the need-blind Grant for Graduate Students with Children.
Finally, it is important to note that MIT Health is working internally and with key insurers to reduce costs wherever possible through care management and utilization management tools. Moreover, future increases in dental and vision rates are expected to remain modest.
Where can students learn about all the benefits they are eligible for?
The following online summary helps graduate students understand their eligibility for various benefits and resources (e.g., child grants, dental insurance, etc.) in light of the MIT and MIT GSU collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
How can departments best plan for managing the increased cost of supporting graduate students?
Departments should, as they always have, work with their deans, who, in turn, are engaged with key central administrators and senior leaders.