PrivateUrbanWorcester Polytechnic Institute
WPI
Worcester, Massachusetts 01609-2280
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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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.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
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.
Financial Aid
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
50.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$26,978
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)
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
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
94%
Campus Life
WPI competes as the Engineers, mascot is Gompei the Goat
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
Worcester Union Station 1 mile
Walkability
Compact walkable campus in urban setting
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
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
Days out near Worcester
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Worcester, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small25 days