The definitive guide on MIT Sloan - Masters of Science in Management Studies
- Goalisb
- Oct 18
- 12 min read
The MIT Sloan Master of Science in Management Studies (MSMS) is one of the most selective advanced management degrees in the world. Designed for graduates of MIT’s partner schools, the nine-month program allows students to specialize, conduct a faculty-guided thesis, and join the MIT Sloan alumni network. If you’re exploring MIT Sloan MSMS admissions, fees, class profile, and career outcomes, this guide brings everything together in one place.
Table of Contents
Overview of the MIT Sloan MSMS Program
The MIT Sloan MSMS program is designed for students currently enrolled at partner institutions who want to expand their management knowledge with a degree from MIT. Unlike the two-year MIT MBA, the MIT Sloan Master of Science in Management Studies is completed in nine months and emphasizes research and academic rigor.
Partner Schools Eligible for MIT Sloan MSMS
Current students and graduates from the following international schools are eligible to apply-
Asia School of Business
ESCP Europe
Fudan International MBA Program
HKU Business School, The University of Hong Kong
IBMec MBA, Executive MBA, and Master’s programs
Lisbon MBA Program
Melbourne Business School (alumni only)
Seoul National University, Graduate School of Business
SKKU Business School
Tel Aviv University, Coller School of Management
Tsinghua Global MBA Program
Tsinghua PBC School of Finance Master's program
UBC Sauder School of Business MBA program (recent alumni)
Universidad Torcuato Di Tella Business School
University of Naples Parthenope
University of Oxford Saïd Business School
MIT Sloan Visiting Fellows Program
MIT Sloan MSMS Specializations and Thesis
Students can pursue one of three academic tracks:
Economics, Finance & Accounting (EFA)
Behavioral & Policy Sciences (BPS)
Management Science (MS)
The thesis is a mandatory requirement, making the MIT Sloan MSMS degree ideal for those considering leadership roles or doctoral studies.
MIT Sloan MSMS Areas of Research
Areas of Research
Behavioral and Policy Sciences
Economic Sociology Program
Institute for Work & Employment Research
Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management
Organization Studies
Economics, Finance, and Accounting
Finance
Accounting & Control
Management Science
Information Technologies
Marketing
Operations Management
System Dynamics
MIT Sloan MSMS Coursework and Academic Requirements
Students must complete at least 24 units in advanced courses such as:
Statistical Modeling
Data Mining & Warehousing
Operations Research
Forecasting & Programming
This combination of coursework and thesis ensures a balance of technical management training and academic research.
MIT Sloan MSMS Class Profile
MIT Master of Science in Management Studies Program- Class Profile 2025
Particulars | Numbers |
Class size | 19 |
Percentage of international students | 89 |
Number of countries represented | 12 |
Average years of work experience | 4 |
Percentage of students- male | 37 |
Percentage of students- female | 63 |
MIT Master of Science in Management Studies Program- Undergraduate Majors 2025
Sectors | Percentage |
Business | 37 |
Science/Mathematics | 16 |
Other | 16 |
Engineering | 11 |
Economics | 11 |
Computer Science | 11 |
Social Sciences | 1 |
Humanities | 1 |
MIT Master of Science in Management Studies Program- Test Scores 2025
Test Name | Score |
GRE Verbal (middle 80%) | 160-168 |
GRE Quant (middle 80%) | 154-162 |
GMAT Range (middle 80%) | 690-750 |
Median GPA (out of 4.0) | 3.72 |
Median GMAT | 700 |
To understand how scores impact admissions, explore our article on what is considered a good GRE score in the US.
MIT Master of Science in Management Studies Program- Pre MBA Industry2025
Sectors | Percentage |
Finance | 26 |
Consulting | 5 |
Government | 5 |
Media/Entertainment | 5 |
Nonprofit | 5 |
Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Biotech | 5 |
Software, Internet | 5 |
Telecommuniactions | 5 |
Consumer Products | 11 |
Technology | 11 |
Other | 16 |
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MIT Sloan MSMS Admissions
MIT Master of Science in Management Studies Program- Important Dates
Particulars | Date |
Application Deadline | February 20, 2026 |
Decision Date | April 3, 2026 |
How to Apply?
Introduce yourself on the link provided on the course website to receive updates about applying.
Provide a candid personal story and the experiences that have shaped you today.
Instructions of applying are given in the application.
Interviews are conducted online via zoom.
Documents Required While Filling the Application Entry
Resume
Cover letter
Introductory Video statement
Video Question 2
Essay question about your proposed MSMS thesis topic
Intended concentration area (select from Accounting; Economic Sociology; Finance; Information Technology; Marketing; System Dynamics; Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management; Work and Organization Studies)*
Transcripts
Two Letters of Recommendation
GMAT (Focus Edition and 10th Edition) or GRE Score
The World That Shaped You
To streamline your prep strategy, explore the updated GRE syllabus with topics and weightage.
Ready to apply to MIT Sloan MSMS? Don’t leave your future to chance. At GOALisB, we help craft winning applications with personalized strategy, essays, and interview prep.
MIT Sloan MSMS Fees & Cost of Attendance
Cost of attendance for the 2025–2026 academic year
Expense | 9-month Cost | 12-month Cost |
Tuition
| $64,310 | $86,530 |
Fees
| $420 | $420 |
Health insurance
| $4,572 | $4,572 |
Housing
| $16,200 | $21,600 |
Food
| $7,470 | $9,960 |
Books, course materials, supplies & equipment
| $1,126 | $1,500 |
Personal
| $7,542 | $10,056 |
Transportation
| $2,754 | $3,672 |
Total
| $104,394 | $138,310 |
The standard academic year of September–May is shown in the 9-month cost column.
The 12-month cost column is used if a student is also registered for the summer academic session.
MIT Sloan MSMS Scholarships and Fellowships
Admitted students are automatically considered for MIT Sloan fellowships such as:
Aker Scholarship
McKinsey Award
MIT Sloan Social Impact Fellowship
Zuckerman Fellowship
Some require separate applications via external organizations.
MIT Sloan MSMS Career Outcomes & ROI
Graduates of the MIT Sloan MSMS program benefit from MIT’s global reputation and alumni access. While most pursue roles in consulting, finance, and technology leadership, others leverage the degree as a stepping stone toward PhD studies or policy careers.
The ROI of the MIT Sloan Master of Science in Management Studies lies in the brand signaling, international exposure, and specialized thesis experience.
MIT Sloan Alumni Network
140,000+ MIT alumni worldwide
24,000+ Sloan alumni
90+ countries represented
This network provides global opportunities for career growth, mentorship, and collaboration.
FAQs
What is the value of the MIT Sloan MSMS compared to an MBA?
The MIT Sloan MSMS program is shorter (nine months) and research-driven, while the MBA is two years with broader career services. MSMS is ideal for students from partner schools who want academic depth and access to MIT’s alumni network.
What are the placements like for MIT Sloan MSMS graduates?
While MIT does not publish standalone MSMS placement reports, students leverage the MIT Sloan career network and typically secure roles in consulting, finance, technology, and policy. Many also progress to senior roles or pursue further research.
What is the application deadline for MIT Sloan MSMS 2026?
Deadlines vary by partner school, but most close around February 2026. Candidates should check with their home school for exact timelines.
Is MIT Sloan MBA worth it?
Yes, the MIT Sloan MBA is worth it for candidates aiming for careers in consulting, finance, technology, and entrepreneurship, given its strong global brand, STEM designation, and high post-MBA salaries (USD $160K+ base in 2024), though the ROI depends on career goals and cost ($104,394 per year).
The MIT Sloan MBA consistently ranks among the top 5–10 global MBA programs (FT, QS, US News). It's worth depends on career aspirations, financial investment, and geographic goals.
Why MIT Sloan MBA Is Worth It
Prestige & Global Recognition
Part of the MIT brand, highly respected worldwide.
Especially strong in technology, analytics, entrepreneurship, and finance.
STEM-Designated MBA
Allows international students to get up to 3 years OPT extension in the U.S., improving ROI for Indians/foreign students.
Career Outcomes
Class of 2024 average base salary: USD $165,000+ with signing bonuses of ~$30K.
Top recruiters: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Google, Amazon, Goldman Sachs.
Strong pipeline into consulting, product management, fintech, and VC.
Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Access to MIT Innovation Labs, Martin Trust Center, and Boston’s startup ecosystem.
Over 25% of Sloan MBAs launch startups or join early-stage companies.
Global Network
Alumni in 90+ countries, highly valuable for international careers.
Considerations
Cost: Total expense for one year is about $104,394, including tuition and living.
ROI in India: If returning immediately to India, salaries (~₹35–60 LPA) may not fully offset cost quickly compared to staying in the U.S.
Culture Fit: Sloan emphasizes quantitative rigor, innovation, and leadership in tech/analytics—great fit for some, not all.
Bottom Line: The MIT Sloan MBA is worth it if you aim for global careers in consulting, finance, or tech, or want to leverage MIT’s ecosystem for entrepreneurship. Its brand value, STEM status, and strong career outcomes make it a top ROI program if you plan to work in the U.S. or globally, though the high cost requires clear post-MBA career planning
How much does MIT MSMS cost?
The tuition fee for MIT Sloan’s Master of Science in Management Studies (MSMS) for the 2025-2026 academic year is US$ 89,000, which includes a mandatory program fee of US$ 2,200.
Is MIT Sloan School of Management the same as MIT?
The MIT Sloan School of Management is the business school of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), meaning it is part of MIT but specifically focused on business, management, finance, and entrepreneurship.
MIT is a world-renowned university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, best known for engineering, science, and technology. Within MIT, there are multiple schools (like the School of Engineering, School of Science, School of Architecture & Planning).
MIT Sloan School of Management is one of these schools—dedicated to business education and research.
It offers programs such as the MBA, Master of Finance (MFin), Master of Business Analytics (MBAn), Master of Science in Management Studies (MSMS), Executive MBA, PhD, and executive education.
While it is part of MIT and carries the MIT brand, Sloan has its own faculty, admissions process, and specialized curriculum.
Key Distinction
MIT (the university) → Covers STEM, architecture, social sciences, economics, policy, and more.
MIT Sloan (the management school of MIT) → Focuses on business leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, analytics, and management innovation.
Bottom Line: MIT Sloan is not a separate university—it is the management school within MIT, carrying the same prestige but specialized in business and management education.
What is the acceptance rate for MIT Sloan School of Management?
Here are more details to put that 14% figure in context:
MIT Sloan received ~ 6,181 applications for the Class of 2026.
The class enrolled 433 students while being very selective, with the admit rate falling to ~14% for that cycle.
The median GMAT for admitted students was 730
To make an informed decision, don’t miss our article on choosing between GMAT and GRE
How much does MIT Sloan MBA cost for Indian students?
Official Cost (USD)
Approximate Cost in Indian Rupees
Assuming an exchange rate of about ₹85 per US$ (it fluctuates), the costs convert roughly to:
Component | USD Amount | Approx INR Equivalent |
Tuition + Program Fee (~US$ 91,200) | $91,200 | ₹77.5‐78.0 lakh |
Total Cost of Attendance (~US$ 128,000-130,000) | $128,000 | ~₹1.08-1.11 crore |
What to Keep in Mind
The “cost of attendance” includes not just tuition, but housing, food, books, insurance, personal expenses, possibly travel etc. These vary a lot depending on personal lifestyle, where you live, and spending habits.
Living in Cambridge/Boston is expensive (housing, utilities, transport, health insurance etc.).
There may be financial aid, fellowships, scholarships etc. even for international students (including Indians) to reduce the burden. MIT Sloan has resources for financing, including external and internal fellowships.
Is MIT better than Harvard?
MIT is better than Harvard in STEM, technology, and entrepreneurship, while Harvard is stronger in business, law, and liberal arts—neither is “better overall,” it depends on the field of study and career goals.
Both MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Harvard University are elite institutions in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and often compared. However, they excel in different domains:
Strengths of MIT
STEM & Innovation: Ranked number 1 globally in engineering, computer science, and physical sciences.
Entrepreneurship: Strong startup ecosystem via the Martin Trust Center, MIT Media Lab.
Business & Analytics (Sloan): Highly quantitative, STEM-designated MBA, strong in finance, consulting, and tech.
Global Reputation: Known as the world leader in technology and applied sciences.
Strengths of Harvard
Business & Management: Harvard Business School is the most recognized MBA brand worldwide.
Law, Medicine, Public Policy: Harvard dominates in law, governance, and healthcare leadership.
Humanities & Social Sciences: Unmatched in political science, history, and liberal arts.
Global Influence: Harvard alumni dominate in politics, leadership, and Fortune 500 boards.
Rankings Snapshot (2025)
QS World Rankings 2025: MIT rank 1, Harvard rank 4 globally.
Subject Rankings:
Engineering & Tech → MIT rank 1, Harvard outside top 10.
Business & Management → Harvard rank 1, MIT Sloan in top 5.
Law → Harvard rank 1, MIT not ranked.
Computer Science → MIT rank 1, Harvard rank 10.
Bottom Line:
Choose MIT if you want a future in engineering, tech, data, entrepreneurship, or innovation-driven business.
Choose Harvard if your focus is business leadership, law, politics, social sciences, or global policy influence.
Is MIT Sloan free?
No, the MIT Sloan School of Management is not free—its MBA tuition alone is about US$ 89,000 per year (₹75–78 lakh), though students can reduce costs through scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid.
MIT Sloan, like other Ivy-league and top B-schools, charges high tuition fees for its programs. However, there are multiple ways students—especially international applicants from India—can make it more affordable.
Typical Costs (2025–26)
MBA Tuition (per year): ~US$ 89,000 (₹75–78 lakh).
Total Cost of Attendance (tuition + living, insurance, books, etc.): ~US$ 128,000/year (~₹1.1 crore).
Financial Aid Options
Merit-Based Fellowships
MIT Sloan offers fellowships covering partial tuition, awarded on academic excellence, leadership, or diversity.
Examples: McKinsey Award, Legatum Fellowship, Sloan Leadership Fellowship.
Need-Based Aid
Some limited aid available depending on family financial circumstances.
External Scholarships for Indians
JN Tata Endowment, Inlaks, KC Mahindra, Fulbright, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation can support MIT students.
Loans
Sloan partners with lenders offering no-cosigner loans for international students.
Key Takeaway
MIT Sloan is not free, but with fellowships, scholarships, and loans, the net cost can be reduced. Full “free rides” are rare but possible if you win 100% tuition fellowships.
What is the fee of MIT in Indian Rupees?
The MIT undergraduate fee is about US$85,960 per year, which is roughly ₹75-76 lakh per year for Indian students. An MIT MBA (Sloan) costs about US$89,000/year, or roughly ₹75–78 lakh/year, with total annual expenses crossing ₹1 crore.
MIT fees vary depending on the program (undergraduate, master’s, MBA, or PhD). Converting with an exchange rate of ~₹85–90 per US dollar (2025 rates):
MIT Fee Structure in INR (Approx.)
Program | Tuition Fee (USD/year) | Tuition Fee (INR/year) | Total Cost with Living (INR/year) |
Undergraduate (BSc/BA) | $32,155 (Per Term) | ₹ 85,960 lakh | ₹75-76 lakh |
MBA (MIT Sloan) | $89,000 | ₹75–78 lakh | ₹1.05–1.1 crore |
Master of Finance (MFin) (12 months) Master of Finance (18 months) | $93,834 $128,820 | ₹82-83 lakh ₹1.13 crore | - |
Master of Business Analytics (MBAn) | $93,834 | ₹82-83 lakh | - |
MSMS (Management Studies) | $89,000 | ₹75–78 lakh | ~₹1 crore |
PhD Programs | Tuition waived | Stipend provided | Minimal cost |
Key Considerations
Living Costs: Housing, food, transport, health insurance, and personal expenses add ~₹20–30 lakh per year.
Financial Aid:
Undergrads: MIT offers need-based scholarships, which can significantly lower costs for Indian students.
PhD students usually get full funding (tuition waiver + stipend).
Bottom Line:
MIT Undergrad fee (Indian students)- ₹75-76 lakh/year (with living).
MIT Sloan MBA fee- ₹1.05–1.1 crore/year (with living).
PhD: Usually free with stipend.
Who is eligible for MIT Sloan MBA?
To be eligible for the MIT Sloan MBA, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), have competitive GMAT/GRE scores, strong work experience (average 5 years), and demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and career potential.
Check out more on GMAT syllabus.
MIT Sloan does not set rigid cutoffs, but successful applicants usually meet the following criteria:
Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree: A 4-year undergraduate degree or equivalent.
Strong Academic Record: No minimum GPA required, but competitive applicants typically rank in the top tier of their class.
Standardized Tests
GMAT or GRE: Required.
Median GMAT for Class of 2026: 730.
Competitive GRE scores also accepted.
TOEFL/IELTS: Required for non-native English speakers unless you studied in English.
Work Experience
Average: 5 years
Leadership & Personal Qualities
Evidence of leadership, teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving.
Career progression and clarity of post-MBA goals.
Additional Considerations
MIT Sloan values diversity, global exposure, and quantitative skills.
STEM background is not required, but analytical ability is important.
Entrepreneurs and applicants from non-traditional backgrounds are also welcome.
Bottom Line: Eligibility for MIT Sloan MBA requires a bachelor’s degree, strong GMAT/GRE scores, and solid work experience, along with proven leadership and career potential. The program is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of ~14%.
If you’re preparing for business school, don’t miss our article on whether the GMAT scoring system has changed.
Can you get MIT Sloan MBA without GMAT?
Yes, MIT Sloan MBA accepts applications without GMAT, as candidates can submit GRE scores instead, and in some cases may request a test waiver if they can prove strong quantitative and academic ability.
MIT Sloan recognizes that not all strong candidates have a GMAT score. Here are the pathways:
Standardized Test Options
GMAT – traditional option (median 730 for recent classes).
GRE – fully accepted, with competitive quant/verbal balance.
Executive Assessment (EA) – considered for some Sloan programs (like Sloan Fellows), but not for the full-time MBA.
Test Waivers
Sloan has occasionally offered test waivers for applicants with exceptional quantitative backgrounds (e.g., engineers, finance professionals, advanced degrees).
However, waivers are rare and evaluated case by case.
For applicants seeking test flexibility, don’t miss our insights on the GMAT waiver for MBA 2025.
Alternatives to Prove Ability
If applying without GMAT:
Strong undergrad GPA in a quantitative field.
Advanced degrees (PhD, CA, CFA, etc.).
Work experience demonstrating analytical and problem-solving skills.
Key Takeaway
GMAT is not mandatory. You can apply with GRE or sometimes request a waiver.
That said, submitting a strong test score greatly improves chances, since Sloan’s admit pool is highly competitive.
Author Bio
Written by Shruti P, ISB Alumna, Stanford LEAD, Stanford Seed Consultant, IECA Associate Member, with 12+ years’ experience advising 5000+ MBA admits. Connect on LinkedIn.
