Regular Students with Reduced Loads

The typical undergraduate load, based on a four-year program, is 45 to 54 units per term (four or four and one-half subjects). However, with the approval of his or her faculty advisor, a student may take a lighter load, either by registering for a reduced load at the beginning of the term or by dropping subjects during the term.

For undergraduates, full-time registration load is defined as 36 units or more.  Before taking less than 36 units, a student should be aware of the effects of taking a reduced load.  If the student decides to take less than 32 units, the student may apply for a light load tuition adjustment before or at the beginning of the term.

Note that units for Listener and ROTC subjects are not included in registration load.  They are, however, included in the calculation of tuition charges. 

Undergraduates on approved Study Abroad/Domestic Year Away or a term of co-op are considered to be full-time.

Effects of Reduced Loads

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Carrying a registration load of less than full-time (36 units) can affect a student's end-of-term academic performance review, financial aid, loan deferments, compliance with immigration regulations, eligibility for varsity athletics, and external insurance requirements.

Upperclass students who complete fewer than 36 units are automatically flagged for end-of-term academic review by their departments and the Committee on Academic Performance (CAP).

Students who have been awarded financial aid should consult with Student Financial Services (SFS) about possible adjustments in financial aid.  MIT grant funds are reduced by the same amount as tuition is reduced.  Students taking less than a half-time registration load (18 units) are not eligible for aid for living costs.

Taking less than a half-time registration load can trigger requirements for repayment of current loans and affect eligibility for new loans.  Students on reduced loads should check with a loan counselor in Student Financial Services (SFS).

International students are required by immigration regulations to be registered full-time whenever school is in session. Students with questions about their loads should check with the International Students Office (ISO).

Students must be registered full-time to be eligible for varsity athletics.  Only seniors in their last terms who have submitted degree applications can have registration loads of less than full-time.  Contact DAPER sports administration.

The Registrar's Office reports registration load when students request enrollment certification letters.  External insurance providers may consider registration load in determining eligibility or rates for automobile, medical, or other types of insurance.

More information about reduced registration load is available on WebSIS.

Light-Load Tuition Adjustment

Full tuition is charged for a registration load of 32 units or more. A regular undergraduate who is registering for fewer than 32 units is charged on a per-unit basis for all subjects including those taken as a Listener and ROTC subjects.  The student is charged on a prorated basis for subjects dropped during the term. See the tuition tables published by the Registrar's Office for current tuition charges.

Tuition charges are adjusted after Drop Date unless the student files a “Tuition Adjustment - Light Load” form. The form must be submitted to the Student Services Center (SSC) or the Registrar's Office, prior to the end of the fifth week of the term. The form is optional for a fourth-year student who wishes to register for thesis only, or who is on the degree list for the end of the current term. If the student decides to take less than 32 units, the student may apply for a tuition adjustment before or at the beginning of the term.

The light-load tuition option is not available to students who are (or were) in engineering internship and cooperative programs.

Students are permitted no more than two terms on light load as undergraduates. Exceptions to this policy may be requested by petition to the Committee on Academic Performance (CAP). Students seeking such exceptions may wish to discuss their situations with deans in Student Support Services (S^3).

Submission of the “Tuition Adjustment - Light Load” form does not constitute registration. Each student must also complete all steps of registration as usual in order to retain status as a student.

Special Students

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A special student is someone enrolled in course work at MIT who is not registered as a candidate for a degree. Special student status is available to individuals who have successfully completed a year or more of study at the university level. High school students are not eligible. Special students must file an application and be admitted through the Admissions Office. Special students may not register for thesis, research (UROP), or other subjects for degree candidates only. Regular students are given preference for registration in subjects with limited enrollments. Special students enjoy most of the privileges of matriculating students but are not eligible for campus housing or financial aid from MIT.

Admission as a special student is valid for only one term (students must reapply each term through the Admissions Office) and does not imply admission as a degree candidate at a later time. Special students are charged tuition on a per-unit basis for all subjects for which they register, subject to a published minimum charge. Subjects dropped during the term are charged on a prorated basis.

Applications for special student status solely for IAP will not be accepted. Special students admitted to the fall or spring must consult the Admissions Office concerning their status during IAP; they do not automatically have IAP privileges. If the special student has paid full tuition during the fall term or is admitted to do so in the spring, there will not be an additional tuition charge for IAP. If the student has not been paying full tuition, a charge for the IAP units will be added to either the fall or spring term up to a maximum of full tuition for the term.

International special students are required to enroll for a minimum of 36 units. Medical insurance is required for any special student taking at least 27 units; visit MIT Medical for more information.

A former MIT regular student who has withdrawn for any reason and has not completed his or her SB should contact Student Support Services (S^3) about readmission.