How can I compare the affordability of MIT and UC San Diego after financial aid?

Compare the two schools using each college’s official financial-aid offer, not tuition alone. MIT is a private institution but commits to meeting demonstrated financial need, and its aid is primarily grant-based rather than loan-based. UC San Diego’s price can be especially favorable for California residents, while nonresidents must account for the UC nonresident supplemental tuition that often remains a major cost even after aid.

Start by putting the same categories from both offers into one spreadsheet: grants and scholarships, federal work-study, student loans, parent loans, tuition and required fees, housing and food, books and supplies, health insurance, personal expenses, and travel. Subtract only grants and scholarships from the full cost of attendance. Treat work-study as earnings you may receive through a job, not as an upfront discount, and do not count loans as financial aid that lowers the real cost.

MIT may be financially compelling for a student whose family has substantial demonstrated need, including some families whose income makes the published private-school price seem impossible. Estimate travel realistically, since Cambridge-area travel may be more expensive depending on where you live.

UC San Diego may be the lower-cost path for a California resident who can live with family or receives state-based support such as a Cal Grant, when eligible. For an out-of-state student, verify whether UCSD grants actually offset nonresident tuition, and do not assume you can gain California residency for tuition purposes after enrolling; UC residency rules are restrictive for students who move to California primarily for school.

Finally, compare each school’s net cost for all four years, not just first year. Ask each financial-aid office how aid is renewed, whether grants are tied to need or academic conditions, how future tuition and housing changes are handled, and whether the offer changes if a parent’s income or household circumstances change.