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Worcester , MA
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a renowned private research institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Established in 1865, WPI has been a pioneer in technological education with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university is globally recognized for its cutting-edge research programs, practical approach to education, and its commitment to preparing graduates for successful careers in a rapidly changing world.
At WPI, students are immersed in a transformative educational experience that combines rigorous academics with real-world applications. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines, including engineering, science, business, social sciences, and humanities. One distinguishing feature of WPI's curriculum is the mandatory interactive and project-based IQP (Interactive Qualifying Project) and MQP (Major Qualifying Project), which provide students with the opportunity to tackle real-world problems and address global challenges through research, innovation, and teamwork.
WPI boasts a vibrant and inclusive campus community, with students from all 50 states and over 70 countries. The university places a strong emphasis on fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. With state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge research centers, and close collaborations with industry partners, WPI offers students numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful research, internships, and co-op experiences, preparing them for a successful transition into their chosen professions. With its strong commitment to experiential learning, innovative research, and global engagement, Worcester Polytechnic Institute continues to shape the future by empowering individuals to make a positive impact on society.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private university located in Worcester, MA and set in an urban environment. It has an acceptance rate of 60%. The freshman retention rate at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is 94% and the six-year graduation rate is 90%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is February 1. The transfer application deadline is June 10.
Explore this school's profile to find out all the important things about Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Quick Facts
5,558
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
$61,790
Tuition
13:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
90%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you know as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission, you can make a better judgment about your eligibility and boost your chances of getting accepted. Learn some important facts about admission at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
According to the most recent data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 7,555 in 2025. Worcester Polytechnic Institute has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the applicant. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is very difficult to get into. Having a long tradition of academic success and a dedication to encouraging intellectual curiosity, Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a superior educational experience.
Test Scores
The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.9. This implies that you'll probably need a GPA above the average to secure admission.
Deadlines
The closing date for applications to this school is February 1. If you are applying for a transfer, note that the application deadline is June 10.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is the percentage of college or university freshmen who return for their sophomore year. Why is that information important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for Worcester Polytechnic Institute was 94% in 2025, which is an outstanding retention rate only the most prestigious institutions achieve.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this school is 90%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Making the choice of which school is the best match for you is not simple. Having a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the school had an enrollment of 7,584 students.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 51% for that year. There was a total of 5,558 undergrad students, including 349 international students. The number of transfer students at this school was 76.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 4,282 male and 2,093 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. An inclusive student body brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
This school had 688 Asian students and 147 Afro-American students in 2025. 464 undergrads at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 197 identified with more than one race. The school also had 2 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 5 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 97 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
The financial aspect is one of the most important things to consider before applying to any college or university. Here are some important data on Worcester Polytechnic Institute costs that most students encounter at this school.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition cost for this university.
In 2025, tuition amounted to $61,790 for all full-time domestic students. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private institution, so tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Fees per academic year required of full-time students summed up to $1,256 in 2025.
Books and Supplies
The approximate price of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another important financial element. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,200.
Boarding
Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for lodging and meals?
The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute was $18,900 in 2025. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school cost $10,200, according to the data from 2025. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $10,200.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 61,790 |
| Room and Board | $ 18,900 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,200 |
| Total Expense | $ 81,890 |
Financial Aid
There are different types of financial support: grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. If you want to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, here are some recent data you should consider.
According to the most recent data, 798 freshmen were awarded financial aid. Students of this school received an average of $37,984 in financial help.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
2,845 students secured some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is available to international students. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was found to be 2,855. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $4,398,143, and state $1,618,550. The students of Worcester Polytechnic Institute received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $85,357,955, and external in the amount of $4,257,277.
$22,149
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Non-need-based student aid typicaly comes in a form of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
607 students, including freshmen, obtained institutional non-need-based financial aid at this institution in 2025. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 253 full-time freshman. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $57,900,457. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $8,044,790 USD.
Majors
Faculty
13:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Worcester Polytechnic Institute was 13:1: that means 13 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. This school has recently reported to have 635 faculty members. This number included 408 men and 227 women.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Find out some details about students' life at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
It has a campus size of 95 acres.
Student Organizations
Joining multiple student organizations can provide you a more interesting and dynamic experience.
This school has 235 open-membership student organizations you can participate in. This number includes sororities and fraternities. 22 percent of male and 27 of female students are active in different organizations at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The student organization that gathers the largest number of students is Performing Arts groups, followed by Intramural and Club Sports and Interfraternity Council. Other popular organizations at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are Panhellenic and Student Government Association.
If you are interested in music, you can join the Worcester Polytechnic Institute band or chorus. For individuals with a passion for acting, there is a drama club available. For students looking to explore media and communication, Worcester Polytechnic Institute publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, there are many amenities that make life on campus comfortable and safe.
24/7 emergency phone and alarm devices are available. The school has electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a security patrol that operates 24 hours a day. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. All in all, campus life at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Career Counselling
At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students.
Job Placement
Finding out some information about the expected post-graduation salary can help you decide if a particular school suits your career objectives.
The average annual salary for graduates employed six months after graduation from this institution is 80,294 USD.
$80,294
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute is located in Worcester, MA.
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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According to the latest information, you would need to pay about 61,790 USD per academic year for Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
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This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Worcester Polytechnic Institute is 60%.
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The most recent data indicate that the freshman retention rate for Worcester Polytechnic Institute is 94%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.