MIT’s approach to financial aid is centered on need-based scholarships, administered through the MIT Student Financial Services office. The MIT Scholarship program is designed to make education affordable, with 58% of full-time undergraduates receiving aid in the 2023–2024 academic year, and a median award of $66,663. For the 2025–2026 academic year, families with total income less than $100,000 (with typical assets) are not expected to contribute, and students with family income under $200,000 attend tuition-free, highlighting MIT’s commitment to accessibility.
Women in engineering at MIT can access these scholarships by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. While these scholarships are not specifically designated for women or engineering students, they are available to all undergraduates, ensuring inclusivity. The application process is streamlined, with automatic consideration for eligible students, and includes additional support like the First Year Grant of $2,000 for low-income first-year students to cover transition expenses.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships & Grants
AAUW, established in 1888, is one of the largest funders of women’s graduate education, offering fellowships like the American Fellowship, which supports women scholars pursuing full-time study to complete dissertations, conduct postdoctoral research, or prepare research for publication. These fellowships range from $6,000 to $30,000 and are open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with applications typically accepted from August 1 to November 1 annually.
- Eligibility: Women pursuing graduate degrees, including engineering, with a focus on scholarly excellence and community impact.
- Application: Requires detailed essays, letters of recommendation, and proof of academic standing.
- Deadline: November 22, 2024 (note: check for 2025 updates, as the 2024 period has closed).
- Website: AAUW Fellowships & Grants
IEEE Women in Engineering Scholarships
IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) offers scholarships to promote female engineers, including the IEEE Frances B. Hugle Scholarship and the IEEE WIE International Scholarship. The Hugle Scholarship, named after a pioneering engineer, awards $2,500 to two women annually who are IEEE student members and have completed two years of undergraduate study in an ABET-accredited program in the U.S.
The International Scholarship, established with donations to the IEEE Foundation, supports female IEEE WIE Student Members with awards up to a certain amount, with the 2025 submissions window opening in September.
- Eligibility: Female IEEE WIE Student Members, completed two years of undergraduate engineering study, GPA of at least 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
- Application: Requires essays (1,000 words on career aspirations, 500 words on why they should receive the scholarship), academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
- Deadline: September 2025 (check website for exact date).
- Website: IEEE Women in Engineering Scholarships
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
SWE, founded in 1950, has been empowering women in engineering for over 65 years, disbursing over $1.5 million in scholarships in 2024. These scholarships support women pursuing ABET-accredited bachelor or graduate programs in engineering, engineering technology, and related fields globally, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $17,000.
The application process is streamlined, with a single application considered for all eligible scholarships, open to undergraduates entering sophomore, junior, or senior year, and new or continuing graduate students for Fall 2025.
- Eligibility: Identifies as a woman, enrolled in an ABET-accredited program, not fully funded for tuition, fees, and books.
- Application: Online application, opens February 10, 2025, and closes March 31, 2025.
- Award Amount: Varies, typically $1,000 to $5,000, with some up to $17,000.
- Website: SWE Scholarships
Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
Now part of the Women Techmakers Scholars Program, this scholarship honors Dr. Anita Borg, focusing on women in computer science and related fields. It offers up to $10,000 and includes opportunities like attending the Google Scholars’ Retreat. Eligible candidates must be female undergraduate seniors or graduate students in computer science, computer engineering, or closely related fields, with a GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Eligibility: Female, enrolled full-time in an accredited university, studying computer science or related fields.
- Application: Requires academic transcripts, essays, and leadership demonstration, with deadlines typically in December (check for 2025 updates).
- Award Amount: Up to $10,000, plus retreat participation.
- Website: Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
MPOWER’s Women in STEM Scholarship
MPOWER Financing offers this scholarship to empower international and DACA female students in STEM, including engineering, with awards of $6,000 for the grand prize, $2,000 for runner-up, and $1,000 for honorable mention. It’s open to students enrolled in full-time degree programs at MPOWER-eligible U.S. or Canadian schools, focusing on those who will benefit society and serve as role models.
- Eligibility: Female, international or DACA student, enrolled in a STEM program at an eligible school, not U.S. or Canadian citizens.
- Application: Essay-based, with deadlines typically in June (check for 2025, e.g., June 30, 2025).
- Award Amount: Up to $6,000.
- Website: MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
Additional Considerations and Other Opportunities
While the above are prominent, other scholarships like the Baker Hughes Scholarship Program and National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowships may also be relevant. Baker Hughes offers funding for students in engineering, though not exclusively for women, and NSF provides various grants for STEM students, which women at MIT can apply for. These opportunities, while not specifically for women, add to the financial support ecosystem.
- Baker Hughes Scholarships: Supports engineering students, with details varying by region, check Baker Hughes Scholarships.
- NSF Scholarships: Offers fellowships for graduate students in science and engineering, see NSF Scholarships.
Application Strategies and Tips
Applying for scholarships requires strategic planning. Students should:
- Start early, researching opportunities well before deadlines.
- Tailor applications to highlight academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement, especially for external scholarships.
- Use scholarship search engines like College Board and Fastweb for additional funding.
- Ensure all documents, including transcripts and recommendation letters, are prepared and meet specific requirements.
Conclusion
Women in engineering at MIT have robust scholarship options, combining MIT’s need-based aid with external, women-focused scholarships from AAUW, IEEE, SWE, Google, and MPOWER. These opportunities not only alleviate financial burdens but also recognize and empower women in a field where they are historically underrepresented.
As of March 27, 2025, students are encouraged to explore these avenues, ensuring they can focus on their academic and career aspirations without financial constraints.