Worcester Polytechnic Institute
About Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
WPI is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is known for its project-based curriculum, where students complete real-world projects instead of traditional exams, and its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and the sciences.
Founded
1865
Location
Worcester, Massachusetts
Students
7,473
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
60.2%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
89.7%
Above national average
Tuition
$60,965
Per year
Avg Net Price
$43,071
After financial aid
SAT Average
1395
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$103,470
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
60.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Feb 1
Worcester Polytechnic Institute accepts 60.2% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1395/ 1600
Average: 1395 out of 1600
ACT Scores
30/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
89.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
93.7%
4-Year Grad
81%
6-Year Grad
87%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
82.9%
$/Student
$21.6K
Class Size
Medium
81% of students graduate on time, and 82.9% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$60,965
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,386
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$78,679
After Financial Aid
$43,071
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$24,018
Receive Grants
11.9%
Take Loans
51.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $78,679/yr, including $18,386 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $43,071.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute fund their education.
While in School
11.9%
Get Grants
Free money
51.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$114,021
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $103K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Gender
32.6%
Female
67%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,447
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,026
Graduates
13.4%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.7%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 67% of the student body. 6.4% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
5,447
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Project-based curriculum gives real-world experience
- +Small, collaborative campus community
- +Strong engineering career placement
- +Worcester is affordable for New England
Cons
- -Worcester is not the most exciting city
- -Seven-week terms move extremely fast
- -Small school limits social and club options
- -Heavy STEM focus with limited humanities
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Worcester Polytechnic Institute fields 11 varsity teams with 668 student athletes, about 12% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
NEWMAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
668
12% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
62% / 38%
415
Men
253
Women
8
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Worcester Polytechnic Instituteearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$103,470
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer Science
$94K
222 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$78K
211 grads
1yr Earnings
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
$78K
121 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
$85K
116 grads
1yr Earnings
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
$90K
77 grads
1yr Earnings
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
$75K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $85K six years out, climb to $75K by year eight, and reach $103K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Worcester Polytechnic Institute
What is the acceptance rate at Worcester Polytechnic Institute?▾
How much does Worcester Polytechnic Institute cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Worcester Polytechnic Institute?▾
How much do Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.