Worcester Polytechnic Institute — College Profile

About

Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a premier STEM-focused university renowned for its top-ranked programs in engineering, computer science, and robotics. What truly sets WPI apart is the "WPI Plan," a distinctive academic model featuring intensive seven-week terms and a hands-on, project-based curriculum that allows students to solve real-world problems at more than 50 global project centers. This unique approach fosters a highly collaborative and supportive campus culture where innovation thrives, offering students a vibrant community balanced by over 200 student organizations and active maker spaces.

Wikipedia:The Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1865, WPI was one of the United States' first engineering and technology universities and now has 14 academic departments with over 50 bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degree programs. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".

Location

Worcester, MA, 01609-2280 · City campus

✈

Nearest airport from college

ORH · Worcester

3 mi away

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Cost

Cost of attendance

$78,679

Avg net price

$43,071

Room & board

$18,386

Tuition

$60,965

Books & supplies

$1,200/yr

Average net price by family income

$0–30k

$24,018

$30–48k

$24,452

$48–75k

$32,350

$75–110k

$37,753

$110k+

$49,716

Admissions

Admit rate

60%

Test policy

Not required

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Essay Requirements

Worcester Polytechnic Institute accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes

Graduation rate

89%

4-yr on-time completion

84%

1st-yr retention

94%

Transfer-out rate

8-year outcomes

Graduated

89%

Transferred

Still enrolled

Dropped out / unknown

Median earnings (6yr)

$85,038

Median earnings (10yr)

$103,470

Median debt

$27,000

Monthly loan payment

$286

Debt range (25th–75th)

$17,500–$30,000

Debt (90th percentile)

$32,500

Student Body

Men 67%Women 33%

Student : Faculty ratio

■Students ■ Faculty

Pell grant recipients

12%

First-generation

13%

Median family income

$114,021

Independent students

Avg age at entry

19.0

Part-time students

Race & ethnicity

White

64%

Hispanic

Black

Asian

13%

Two or more

Non-resident

Unknown

Programs & Earnings

Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings

Median earnings for graduates across all programs

6 years after entry

$85,038

10 years after entry

$103,470

Computer Science222

Mechanical Engineering211

Biomedical/Medical Engineering121

Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering116

Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering77

Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering59

Chemical Engineering51

Data Science47

Civil Engineering35

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology30

Biology, General28

Architectural Engineering26

Mathematics26

Design and Applied Arts24

Industrial Engineering23

Engineering-Related Fields22

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Institutional

Endowment

$683M

Classification

R2: High Research

Undergraduate profile

Four-year, selective admissions

Full-time faculty

83%

Avg faculty salary

$13,376/mo

Instructional spend/student

$21,636