Financial Aid
The philosophy of the Department of Architecture is based upon a desire to maintain a diverse student body and encourage those who have the interest and ability to succeed in the profession, regardless of their financial resources. The Department wants to make it possible for all of our students to graduate with a debt no larger than they can reasonably expect to repay while working in their profession. Financial aid from the Department is in the form of direct tuition awards and Departmental employment.
Financial aid awards for incoming students are made upon admission. In general, Ph.D. students are funded on financial aid packages that consist of a Teaching Assistantship (TA) or Research Assistantship (RA) salary component, plus a tuition component. TA or RA assignments are made by the faculty Discipline Group Director at the beginning of each term.
Financial aid awards to Master’s degree students are in the form of a partial tuition award. Master’s degree students are also eligible to compete for work opportunities in the form of Teaching or Research Assistantships, or hourly positions available in the department.
Students are eligible for financial support from the Department, both tuition and/or Departmental employment, for the period of the standard residency requirement of the degree program. For Ph.D. students this is up to a maximum of ten semesters. For MArch Level I and Level II students, the maximum number of semesters of eligibility is seven and five, respectively. SMArchS, SMBT and SMVisS students are eligible for a total of four semesters of financial aid.
Students in all degree programs must be registered as a full-time resident graduate student for the period of the award, and be in good academic standing in order to be eligible for continued financial aid.
In all cases, students should refer to the details laid out in the offer of admission.
MIT tuition and fees are posted by the Registrar. TA, RA and hourly rates are set by the Institute and the Department.
Teaching Assistantships (TA)
The duties of a Teaching Assistantship (TA) include assisting a faculty member in grading homework and quizzes, classroom and laboratory instruction, preparing apparatus or material for demonstrations, posting web-based materials, and conducting tutorials and discussion sections. It may also include tasks such as ordering supplies for design studio projects, preparation of class readers, contacting outside reviewers, reserving special lecture and jury spaces, securing audio visual equipment, etc.
A full-time (100%) Teaching Assistantship is defined as 20 hours of work per week. Half-time TAs are also available, and require 10 hours of work per week. Note that these positions are salaried and not hourly jobs, so the number of hours required may vary slightly from week to week. To sign up for a TA ship, use this application form.
Research Assistantships (RA)
The principal duty of a graduate Research Assistantship (RA) is to contribute, under supervision, to a program of departmental or interdepartmental research. Through project work, the assistant gains increased facility in organizing work, applying new experimental techniques to real problems, and oral presentation. Research Assistantships also give the opportunity to participate as junior colleagues of the faculty in an ongoing research project; this experience frequently influences their choice of thesis topic.
Research Assistants are compensated on the basis of the time devoted to their research activities; the appointment generally carries a tuition component in addition to the salary. A full-time (100%) Research Assistantship is defined as 20 hours of work per week and carries full tuition. Partial RAs are also possible, with a corresponding reduction in workload, and financial remuneration.
Hourly Positions
The Department also has a number of hourly positions. These positions can be short-term or a full-semester in length, and include such positions as audio visual assistants, shop and computer resources monitors, Registration Day and Orientation aides, tour guides, lecture series support, etc. To sign up for an hourly position, use this application form.
Educational Loans
MIT offers a number of student loan programs, and also participates in alternative loan programs. The Office of Student and Parent Loan Services can assist students in financing their education and with repayment of educational loans. Loans are generally limited to graduate students who are United States or Canadian citizens, or permanent residents. However, continuing international students may apply for a loan, providing certain criteria are met.
Quick Links
Financial Aid Information for Master's Degree Candidates
List of hourly positions available
Online application for hourly positions
Online application for TA positions
International Students Office
MIT Inventions and Proprietary Information Agreement
MIT tuition and fees
Student employment forms
Student Employment Office
Student Financial Services
Student and Parent Loans
Student salaries
