FAQ: AY2026 Stipend Levels & Additional Support for Graduate Students
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 AY26?
The rate was increased by 3.25% for 2025-2026. Effective June 1, 2025 the rates, presented in full for reference, will be as follows:
RA STIPEND LEVELS
Doctoral
Monthly: $4,269
Annual (12 mo.): $51,226
High Range +15%: $58,910
SM Level
Monthly: $3,899
Annual (12 mo.): $46,793
High Range +15%: $53,812
TA STIPEND LEVELS
Monthly: $4,369
Annual (12 mo.): $52,429
High Range +15%: $60,293
INSTRUCTOR G STIPEND LEVELS
Monthly: $5,024
Annual (12 mo.): $60,293
High Range +15%: $69,337
FELLOWSHIP STIPEND LEVELS
Doctoral
Monthly: $4,269
Annual (12 mo.): $51,226
High Range +15%: $58,910
SM Level
Monthly: $3,899
Annual (12 mo.): $46,793
High Range +15%: $53,812
What will the student health insurance premiums be for next year?
The cost of MIT Health’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is detailed below.
| Enrollment type | Full yearSept. 1, 2025 – Aug. 31, 2026 | Fall term onlySept. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | Spring/Summer term onlyFeb.1, 2025 – Aug. 31, 2026 | Summer term onlyJun.1, 2025 – Aug. 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student | $4,572.00 | $1,905.00 | $2,667.00 | $1,143.00 |
| Student and partner | $9,996.00 | $4,165.00 | $5,831.00 | $2,499.00 |
| Student and dependent(s) | $6,228.00 | $2,595.00 | $3,633.00 | $1,557.00 |
| Family | $11,652.00 | $4,855.00 | $6,797.00 | $2,913.00 |
Note: Premiums are inclusive of access to most services at MIT Health without additional costs.
MIT Health will send enrollment information to students in July.
What does MIT Health provide students? Why do I need additional health insurance?
MIT students get access to MIT Health for primary care, urgent care, mental health services, and onsite tests through their tuition, with no copays and or additional bills.
Additionally, they are required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to have health insurance to cover needed additional health services. They have a range of choices for health insurance, including parental coverage, coverage available through the state’s Health Connector or the market, or a student health insurance plan (SHIP) made available through MIT.
Why are the MIT student health insurance plan premiums going up?
MIT SHIP has historically had lower premiums than most peer institutions for more robust coverage, but this is no longer sustainable. Even with recent efforts to increase premiums and control costs, medical and pharmacy claims expenses have increased by double the rate of premiums over the past three years, driven by increases in complex cases and the use of high-cost specialty medications.
MIT has funded this shortfall but given stresses on the Institute’s budget from federal policy changes, can no longer continue to do so going forward.
We are accordingly increasing the academic year 2025-2026 premiums for SHIP by 27%. This change will align premiums with the plan’s claims expenses, without changing the benefit design of this comprehensive plan. The higher premium rates will be on par with those of peer institutions.
MIT’s comprehensive health insurance plan remains among the best-in-class and premiums are still 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.
MIT assists students and post-doctoral fellows with the costs of coverage in a number of ways. It fully funds premiums for individual coverage for undergraduates with family incomes under $100,000 and graduate students with full-year appointments to research programs, and caps costs for post-doctoral fellows.
Where can I find information about the optional dental and vision plans?
The optional dental plan rates will remain flat, while the vision offering will see a small increase. See the eligibility requirements for additional information.
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.
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.