Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a number of different options, including a monthly payment plan for those seeking an alternative to paying in one lump sum. Visit the payment options page for details.

Registering for less than a full-time course load is called a light load. With the approval of your faculty advisor, undergraduates may carry a light load and are charged per unit of registration, including those taken as a listener. Financial aid eligibility is automatically updated based on your registration status. Visit our light load webpage to learn how tuition and/or financial aid are impacted if you register for 18–35 units, or 17 units or fewer.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission that helps many low-income households pay for internet service.

There are many groups that may qualify for ACP, including current undergraduate Pell Grant recipients and people receiving SNAP benefits. Learn more about the program and if you qualify you can apply online here.

Generally, students enrolled more than half-time are eligible for SNAP if they meet an exemption. Students who meet an exemption must also meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements. Students who work at least 20 hours a week or participate in a state or Federal Work-Study program may qualify for an exemption. You must still meet the other SNAP eligibility requirements to be eligible for benefits. You may apply for SNAP benefits here.

Qualified tuition and related expenses includes tuition and student life fees. Expenses such as housing, meals, books, supplies, and health insurance are not included.

MIT issues a 1098-T to degree-seeking students whose scholarships and grants do not exceed qualified tuition and related expenses for the calendar year. Consistent with IRS regulations, MIT does not issue Form 1098-T to:

• Students in non-degree programs
• Students whose QTRE is fully covered by scholarships and grants

Yes, you may still be eligible for an education tax credit without the 1098-T form. The form is primarily for informational purposes and does not determine eligibility for tax credits or deductions. You can provide an overview of your expenses, especially those not reported on the 1098-T, by downloading and printing your student account statements.

The 1098-T is available electronically via Heartland ECSI by January 31 each year.

You can access your 1098-T online by logging into MITPay. If you didn't opt in for electronic delivery, a paper copy will be mailed to your permanent address. If you no longer have access to MITPay, you can access the forms from 2020 onwards, via Heartland ECSI. If you need a 1098-T prior to 2020 and no longer have access to MITPay, please contact us at sfs@mit.edu. Please ensure your pop-up blocker is disabled to view the form.

Box 1: Reports amounts paid for qualified tuition and related expenses during the calendar year. This may include payments for future terms made within the current year Box 4: Adjustments made to prior years' QTRE payments Box 5: Scholarships and grants disbursed during the calendar year, including those from third parties Box 6: Adjustments to scholarships or grants reported in a prior year

Box 1 reports qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE) charged and paid within the calendar year, running January 1 to December 31. It also includes any unpaid QTRE carried over from the previous year.

Box 1 may include any unpaid qualified tuition and related charges from the previous year, in addition to the charged and paid amount for the current 1098-T calendar year.

The American opportunity tax credit is a credit for qualified education expenses, paid for an eligible student, for the first four years of higher education. You can get a maximum annual credit of $2,500 per eligible student. More information can also be found on the IRS website.

The lifetime learning credit is for qualified tuition and related expenses paid for eligible students enrolled in an eligible educational institution. This credit can help pay for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree courses — including courses to acquire or improve job skills. There is no limit on the number of years you can claim the credit. It is worth up to $2,000 per tax return. More info can be found on the IRS website.

No, only one education tax credit can be claimed per student, per tax year.

Generally, only U.S. citizens and resident aliens are eligible for these credits, with some exceptions for certain nonresident aliens. More information can be found on the VPF website.

The W-2 is an income statement reflecting taxable wages and associated taxes, provided by MIT to it's employees. Contact the MIT payroll department at payroll@mit.edu with any questions you may have.

The Form 1042-S reports fellowships and grants for international students and is not issued to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. If you need a 1042-S for royalty payments, prize or award payments, or for services performed in the U.S., please contact MIT Payroll by emailing payroll@mit.edu.

The 1098-T reports tuition payments and scholarships/grants, while the W-2 reports taxable income and taxes withheld.

The 1098-T reports tuition payments and scholarships/grants, while the 1042-S reports fellowships and grants for international students.