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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is dedicated to evolving education centered around project-based learning (PBL) and creating students who are confident, empathetic, skilled, and experienced upon graduation. Students can pursue bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral programs, as well as have opportunities to participate directly in and with the community. As a PBL higher learning institution, academic programs will consist of working on and solving real-life projects rather than to learn theory alone.


Overview of Worcester Polytechnic Institute


At WPI, students will be able to pursue a variety of educational opportunities inside and outside the classroom. It is the goal of WPI to prepare graduates for their first job and career after college so that they are able to thrive and succeed from day one. Program participants will learn to collaborate with peers, have exposure to new cultures and diversity, learn to think strategically, and begin to understand the importance of one’s impact on the community and the world as a whole.

Campus and online activities, events, and involvement also play a crucial role in student development. WPI also has 20 NCAA Division III sports to which students have access as either a participant or in a supportive capacity. It is also possible for students to study abroad, work on community projects, or participate in the Global Projects Program.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting City: Midsize
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 13:1
Graduation Rate 87%
Year Founded 1865

Student Enrollment


Total Students6,874

Undergraduate
4,668
Graduate
2,206

Undergraduate Student

Male 2,894
2,894
Female 1,774
1,774

Graduate Student

Male 1,368
1,368
Female 838
838

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Admissions


APPLICATIONS10,584

Male 7,811
Female 2,773

ACCEPTANCE4,445

Male 2,968
Female 1,470

Acceptance Rate42%

Male 38%
Female 53%

Enrollment 1,289

Male 322
Female 464
Admissions
Application Fee $65
High School GPA NA
High School Rank NA
High School Transcripts NA
College Prep Courses NA
Recommendations NA
SAT/ACT NA
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) NA
Application Deadline February 1
Common Application Accepted Yes

Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The average for the net price of Worcester Polytechnic Institute is $42,393. The price tag for this STEM school is directly related to its private and not-for-profit stature alongside a large pool of professors compared to the overall number of students. All students are charged $52,320 annually without financial aid and regardless of their state of residence. A total of 99% of all WPI students accept financial assistance to lower degree-related expenses. Room and board, as well as supplies and fees will cost roughly another $17,000.

Off-campus activities and various on-campus entertainment are not included in any of the expenses mentioned previously. Such activities may come in the form of food and drink, shopping, sports events, cultural engagements, or others. As Worcester, Massachusetts is located near a number of major cities, many students enjoy traveling for fun adventures to complete their college experience. These experiences will require additional funds.

Average net price 2017-2018
Net Price $43,815
Average Total Aid $20,929
Students Receiving Financial Aid 98%
Room & Board $15,302

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $52,320
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $52,320
  • Books and Supplies - $1,000
  • Room & Board - $15,302
  • Other - $1,200

Academics


Individuals can complete degrees and certificates at WPI in a wide array of departments and programs. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees along with online degrees, a pre-collegiate outreach program, and a STEM education center. WPI was founded with a central focus on science. As years pass, these reputable educators have learned to adapt programs so that they prepare students as well as possible for academic and professional success.

Today, students can study any number of fields and subject matter throughout STEM; however, engineering remains one of the most dynamic and prevalent departments with over a dozen programs such as aerospace, architectural, biomedical, chemical, environmental, and other engineering programs. Computer science is a growing force within the university with several programs available, including cybersecurity and data science. All programs are supported by additional participation in degree-based clubs, events, work experience, international opportunities, and more.

Overall, WPI has an outstanding 96% retention rate, as well as an 89% graduation rate. These are highly impressive figures given the fact the STEM programs are amongst the most challenging in the US.

Student Population Total


Student Population 6,874

Undergraduate
4,668
Graduate
2,206
Evening Classes : No
Distance Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Engineering Majors 715 Total Graduates / 70%
Mechanical Engineering 235 Graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 89 Graduates
Chemical Engineering 77 Graduates
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering 71 Graduates
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering 71 Graduates
All Computer Information Science Majors 169 Total Graduates / 17%
Computer Science 153 Graduates
Computer Software and Media Applications, Other 16 Graduates
All Biological & Biomedical Majors 51 Total Graduates / 5%
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 29 Graduates
Biochemistry 15 Graduates
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Other 7 Graduates
All Business Majors 29 Total Graduates / 3%
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other 22 Graduates
Business/Commerce, General 4 Graduates
Management Information Systems, General 3 Graduates
Mathematics and Statistics 20 Total Graduates / 2%
Mathematics, General 11 Graduates
Mathematics and Statistics, Other 9 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 3%

Outcome & Salary


Before students begin their long-term careers, they will have access to co-ops, internships, and full-time positions with various employers in the area. It is also possible to complete a summer research program, participate in REU, or secure work experience through Handshake. Workshops are available for specific campus clubs and organizations. And the Career Development Center is available all year for any student to begin preparing for job interviews, job searches, and essential career skills.

WPI continues to work diligently to offer an extensive list of employers in search of talent from the university. At the moment, over 450 unique companies recruit WPI students on campus each year through career expos, information sessions, on-campus interviews, and career fairs. Several thousand companies recruit students virtually. Recruiting companies range in size and industry; however, they all have outstanding reputations such as GE, BAE Systems, Columbia Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and others. In 2019, 92% of graduates at all degree levels secured employment, joined a volunteer organization, participated in military service, or continued their education.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $73,600
College Grads Average Salary $82,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $135,500
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $820,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $2,175,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $175,260
10 Year Projected ROI $644,740
20 Year Projected ROI $1,999,740
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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