Campus Vibe
Top graduate earnings — known for engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private institution in Worcester with particular strength in engineering and computer science.
A mid-sized campus of 5.3K undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
88% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $103,470 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $43,273.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 1
Decision by Mid-December
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 1
Decision by Mid-February
Early Action
November 1
Decision by Mid-December
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by Late March
Supplemental essays required.
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
49.5%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$26,978
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
39
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Research: Project-based curriculum requires completion of three major projects including Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) and Major Qualifying Project (MQP)
Thesis: Major Qualifying Project (MQP) required for all students
Programs (118)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
94%
- •94% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
WPI competes as the Engineers, mascot is Gompei the Goat
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •" Further funding and land grants for the university were given by Stephen Salisbury II, who was an influential merchant and later served as the first president of the institute's board of directors.
- •On May 10, 1865, after House and Senate approval, the secretary of the commonwealth recorded the Institute as a legal corporation, and it came into formal existence.
- •Both Boynton and Washburn died before the opening of the college on November 11, 1868.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
Worcester Union Station 1 mile
Walkability
Compact walkable campus in urban setting
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Worcester Art Museum
Major art museum with diverse collections
EcoTarium
Science and nature museum with planetarium
Elm Parkwalkable
One of America's oldest public parks
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