Rate this response: 

4.666665
Average: 4.7 (3 votes)

Since graduating with an SB and an ME, I have often been asked if the MIT education was worth the cost. In my younger days, I frequently answered "no" because I saw equivalently skilled people graduating from the top of their class at local state universities. As I have grown in my career, though, I now recognize that the people I know because of MIT and their influence is priceless. Where my colleague might know a director at a supplier, I know the CEO. These contacts become a tremendous advantage for my employer and, in the end, for my career.

Therefore, I encourage the new direction to emphasize personal face-to-face interaction that builds strong but diverse bonds. The ILG system in the early 90s did this exceptionally well.

If you just want knowledge, then online delivery is fine. In that way, an MIT education is already free. The price premium for the contacts, though, is justifiable as long as the interpersonal face-to-face interaction is not compromised.

A New Financial Model, Improving accessibility and affordability, Education & Facilities, Physical spaces, Global Implications of EdX, Beyond the residential campus, residential options, interpersonal relationships, online

Comments

Agree, and the connections are important even during time at MIT

YES, I very strongly agree with this. The contacts you gain at MIT are extremely useful as you progress in your career.

Even besides the career benefits, the face-to-face community is crucial to the learning experience at MIT. MIT is SO difficult at times; who would really have the perseverance to suffer through all the psets and tests while isolated from their classmates and friends?

Working on psets late into the night with a group of classmates was a major part of my MIT education. You get a lot of moral support from the "team" feeling, and you also learn a lot more by comparing approaches and being able to ask questions of your peers as you struggle together through the material. Don't take this away!