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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.
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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 |
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Campus Setting | City: Midsize |
Campus Housing | Yes |
Student Faculty Ratio | 13:1 |
Graduation Rate | 87% |
Year Founded | 1865 |
Student Enrollment
Total Students6,874
4,668
2,206
Undergraduate Student
Male 2,894
Female 1,774
Graduate Student
Male 1,368
Female 838
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Admissions
APPLICATIONS10,584
ACCEPTANCE4,445
Acceptance Rate42%
Enrollment 1,289
Admissions | |
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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 |
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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.
Retention
Rate
4 year
Graduation
Rate
6 year
Graduation
Rate
Student Population Total
Student Population 6,874
4,668
2,206
Most Popular Programs & Majors
(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)
All Engineering Majors | 715 Total Graduates / 70% |
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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 | |
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College Grads Early Career Salary | $73,600 |
College Grads Average Salary | $82,000 |
College Grads Mid Career Salary | $135,500 |
Return on Investment (ROI) | |
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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 | |
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National Average Salary | $38,792 |
10 Year Projected Income | $387,920 |
20 Year Projected Income | $775,840 |
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