MIT Diversity Statistics: An In-Depth Look
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is known for its academic prowess and top-tier STEM programs. The school also prides itself on being an inclusive space for students from all backgrounds. In this post, we’ll talk about MIT’s current diversity, how it’s combating discrimination and harrassment, and its future plans to improve upon its approach to inclusion. Ethnicity Percentage White 31.9% Asian 17.2% Hispanic or Latino 8.92% Two or more races 4.12% Black or African American 3.35% American Indian or Alaska Native .113% Relative to other schools in the nation, MIT can be classified as diverse based on its current student population statistics. The New York Times published financial diversity statistics for MIT in 2017; the median family income was $137,400, in the 76th income percentile. Students’ families were among the highest earners in Massachusetts, which ranks about typical in the New England Men’s and Women’s Athletic Conference, and among the lowest among Ivy League and other top-tier colleges. Share of students from the… Percentage Top .1% 1.5% Top 1% 5.7% Top 5% 29% Top 10% 43% Top 20% 61% Bottom 20% 6.2% While MIT has predominantly wealthy students, the school does have generous financial aid. The school is need-blind, meaning it makes its admissions decisions without taking into account the applicant family’s finances or ability to pay tuition. The college will also meet 100% demonstrated need for its applicants. MIT also offers a restricted no-loan policy, where families with a yearly income below $75,000 qualify for no-loan financial aid. MIT has students from every single state in America, with most students coming from California, New York, and Texas. 10% of the undergraduate population is composed of international students. International students are considered for aid via the same process for all applicants, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial aid. Addir Interfaith Engagement Association Asian Baptist Student Koinonia Asian Christian Fellowship Bahai Association MIT Baptist Student Fellowship Buddhist Students Club Chabad Student Group Christians on Campus Cru etSpiritus Gospel Choir Hillel MIT Hindu Students Council Latter Day Saint Student Association Lutheran Episcopal Ministry Mobin Muslim Students Association Origins (Vedic tradition) Protestant Student Community Secular Society of MIT Tech Catholic Community African Students Association Arab Student Organization Armenian Society MIT Asian American Association Association of Indonesian Students at MIT Association of Puerto Rican Students Association of Taiwanese Students MIT Aussies@MIT Bangladeshi Students Belgians at MIT Black Students’ Union Black Women’s Alliance Bulgarian Club at MIT Canadians Club Caribbean Club Catalonia@MIT Chinese Students Club Club Argentino en MIT Club Francophone at MIT Club of Undergraduate Chinese Nationals Club Peru Colombian Association of MIT Cuban American Student Association (CASA) Egyptian Association Ethiopian Eritrean Students Association European Club Filipino Student Association Hawaii Club Hong Kong Student Society International Youth and Students for Social Equality at MIT Japanese Association Kiwis at MIT Korean Students Association La Maison Française Latino Cultural Center Lebanese Club at MIT Malayasian Students Association MIT Asian American Initiative MIT Interracial X Ethnic Division MIT Nigerian Student Association MITALY – Italian Student Association MITeri – Nepali Student Association Mujeres Latinas Native American Student Association Organization of Serbian Students Paksmit Palestine at MIT Persian Students Association Polish Club at MIT Romanian Student Association Russian Connection Samskritam Singapore Students of Society South Asian Students Association Sri Lankan Students Association Stammtisch Thai Students at MIT Turkish Student Association Vietnamese Students The LLC is a space for Latino students and student organizations, with business offices, student organizations, and a lounge where students can study and socialize. The center also has cultural and social events periodically, such as the Festival de las Americas and Gala Sabsosura! The OME hosts weekly “Drop-In” hours where students can ask questions about their services and receive help in personal, professional, and social matters. Students can raise concerns about academics, such as their classes and instructors. This program is meant to support students and provide them with guidance and opportunities to connect with others. Their mission is to foster a safe space that prioritizes inclusivity and provides intersectional social justice education, community-building, and leadership development. There is a social space, study area, computer lab, all-gender restroom, and kitchenette. This institute intends to support the student body’s pluralistic identities by providing on-campus programming, confidential counseling, and advice to student religious organizations. Recently, MIT has started several initiatives to improve its approach to supporting its diverse population. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s recent report on sexual and gender harassment of women in academia has informed new steps such as a revised policy for handling harrassment and discrimination complaints. MIT has also created an Insitute Discrimination and Harassment Response (IDHR) office where anyone who has experienced maltreatment based on their identity can go for help and support. The school has also committed to strengthening non-retaliation, confidentiality, and whistleblower protections. Furthermore, MIT plans to appoint staff to advance their diversity, equity, inclusion, and community efforts. They will help oversee their respective MindHandHeart Department Support Project action plan, which seeks to address bullying and harassment and shed light on the negative power dynamics that often crop up in academic and organizational working environments. MIT is also hiring more educators to host in-person workshops and online classes to help staff recognize unconscious biases and teach them to take action and intervene in response to discriminatory behavior. The Campus Pride Index rates MIT 4.5 out of 5 stars for its approach to LGBTQ+ inclusivity based on its policies, support, and resources for students in the community. MIT ranked five stars on all of their tenets, except LGBTQ+ Recruitment and Retention efforts, on which it ranked a 4. Below, we’ve listed some of the university’s resources: Founded in 1969, MIT’s Rainbow Lounge is one of the oldest spaces of its kind. Students can engage with political, social, and academic programming. Its LGBT Issues Group, composed of LGBT students, faculty, and staff, is a pillar of campus advocacy and addresses social justice concerns that manifest on campus. This program seeks to connect graduate and undergraduate LGBTQ+ MIT students to LBGTQ+ faculty, staff, and alumni. The students are mentees that can develop structured and safe relationships with their mentors to further their personal and professional development. MIT doesn’t have official designated living communities for LGBTQ+ individuals, but there is a “Living Pink” survey that allows members of the community to weigh in on the different housing options and provide a resource for students as they choose housing. MIT has many all-gender bathrooms spread throughout the campus, with several all gender multi-stall restrooms. The school plans to include even more in the future. Students can report instances of harrassment, bias, discrimination, and hate via a reporting form on the school’s website. The school has a strict non-disrimination policy and a Title IX & Bias Response Office. Ethnic Group Percentage White (non-Hispanic) 60.8% Asian 15.9% Black or African American 10.2% White (Hispanic) 6.19% Two+ identities 3.33% The city has a variety of ethnic food options such as a Japanese-Spanish fusion restaurant, asian grocery stores, and cuisines ranging from French to Ethiopian to Indian. The Advocate, an LGBT publication, has named Cambeidge the third-queerest city in America. The city has an LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation, inclusive mental health options, and non-discrimination housing laws. The city is one of the most liberal cities in America, and is sometimes referred to as “The People’s Republic of Cambridge.” 57% of voters are registered with the Democratic Party, while only 3% are registered with the Republican Party. While diversity is certainly an important aspect of your college selection process, choosing a school involves taking many factors into consideration. You’ll want to research MIT thoroughly, looking into its academic programs, extracurricular selection, and campus culture. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, CollegeVine is here to help, with resources like our chancing engine and school search tool. You can look for schools based on your preferences and chances of acceptance. We’ll also let you know how to improve your academic and extracurricular profile.
What’s Covered:
Overview of MIT Diversity Statistics
Ethnic Diversity
Financial Diversity
Geographic Diversity
Cultural Resources at MIT
Religious Groups
Cultural Groups
MIT’s Latino Cultural Center
The MIT Office of Minority Education
Social Justice Programming & Cross-Cultural Engagement (SPXCE)
MIT’s Office of Religious, Spiritual, Ethical Life (ORSEL)
Plans to Improve Diversity at MIT
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
The Office of LGBT Student Services (Rainbow Lounge)
Rainbow Compass Mentorship Program
Housing
Gender-Neutral Bathrooms
Reporting Incidents
How Diverse and Inclusive is Cambridge, MA?
Ethnic Diversity
Is MIT the Right Fit for You?
