Navy/Marine ROTCVerifiedDrill TeamColor GuardNavy ROTC at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Since 1926, NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology has run NROTC at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Massachusetts.
About this program
MIT's Navy ROTC unit, the Old Ironsides Battalion, has trained future Navy and Marine Corps officers since opening its doors in 1983, preparing more than 600 midshipmen for military careers over that time. The battalion is organized as the Boston Consortium: the MIT Company, headquartered at MIT, hosts midshipmen from MIT, Harvard University, and Tufts University, while the Boston University Company hosts midshipmen from BU, Boston College, and Northeastern University. The companies frequently train together for physical training, leadership labs, and naval science classes.
The unit takes its name from USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," the oldest commissioned warship in the U.S. Navy. The nickname was earned in the War of 1812, when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the frigate's hull and a sailor cried, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" The ship remains berthed at her historic home port in Boston Harbor, and the battalion occasionally visits her or hosts her active-duty crew.
The battalion emphasizes the caliber, cohesion, and professionalism of its midshipmen, drawing on several of Boston's leading universities to build a strong, well-rounded officer corps.
Scholarships available here
Full tuition + select fees OR room and board up to $11,500/yr, plus $750/yr book stipend and a monthly stipend rising $250 (freshman) to $400 (senior). Uniforms and three summer training cruises included. SAT/ACT required (code 0565), Tier-1 STEM majors preferred. FY2027 application opened April 1, 2026; deadline January 31, 2027. 5-year active-duty obligation.
Service obligation: 5 years
Same NROTC national application (opened April 1, 2026; deadline January 31, 2027) with a Marine-specific fitness and board track. Single test sitting used (no superscore), code 0565. Covers full tuition or room & board up to $11,500/yr plus stipends. 4-year active-duty obligation after commissioning as a USMC second lieutenant.
Service obligation: 4 years
Cross-town & partner schools served
Students at these schools can commission through NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology by commuting to Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Cross-enroll students take Naval Science courses at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Cross-enroll students take Naval Science courses at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Cross-enroll students take Naval Science courses at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Cross-enroll students take Naval Science courses at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Contact & location
Site: https://nrotc.mit.edu
Located at: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139-4301
Navy ROTC FAQ
Where is NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology located?
NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology is hosted at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Massachusetts. The unit's training events, classes, and PT all run on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus.
Which colleges and universities can attend NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
In addition to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, students enrolled at Harvard University, Tufts University, Wellesley College, and Boston College can contract through NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology via cross-town agreements. Cross-town midshipmen keep their primary academics at the partner school and travel to the host for ROTC-side coursework.
What scholarships are available through NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
NROTC midshipmen at this unit compete for NROTC Navy Option (4-year), NROTC Marine Option, NROTC Nurse Option (where offered). National awards apply out of high school; on-campus side-loads kick in once a cadet is enrolled and contracted.
What's the NROTC summer training for midshipmen at NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Each summer carries a different block: CORTRAMID after 4/C year, an enlisted-side fleet cruise after 3/C, and a junior-officer cruise after 2/C — Marine-Option mids ride MOUI and OCS-style training instead.
Which universities make up MIT's Navy ROTC battalion?
The Old Ironsides Battalion is a Boston Consortium: the MIT Company hosts midshipmen from MIT, Harvard, and Tufts, and the Boston University Company hosts midshipmen from BU, Boston College, and Northeastern.
Why is it called the Old Ironsides Battalion?
It is named for USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides"), the oldest commissioned warship in the U.S. Navy, whose hull famously repelled British cannon fire in the War of 1812. The ship is berthed at her home port in Boston Harbor near the unit.
What's the corps size at NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology has an approximate corps size of 600 cadets.
Can students at other schools join NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Yes — NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology accepts cross-town and partner students from 4 other institutions, including Harvard University, Tufts University, Boston College, Wellesley College. See the cross-town options for distance and enrollment paths.
Interested in NROTC Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Send your details and the cadre can reach out about visits, scholarships, and next steps.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any branch of the U.S. military.