Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Students here are known for building things, not just studying them. Worcester Polytechnic Institute has a reputation for project-based learning that blends engineering, science, and computing with the arts and business. The campus feels tight-knit and practical, with modern labs, makerspaces, studios, and a well-used library. Support runs deep too, from tutoring and writing help to career advising, health and counseling services, and mentoring that keeps students on track.
Life moves fast and friendly. Clubs span robotics to music to cultural groups, and the fitness center, intramurals, and outdoor spaces keep weekends active. The culture leans collaborative and curious, where teaming up is the norm and ideas get tested. Career prep is baked in through internships, co-ops, and industry-sponsored projects that build real connections. Worcester adds an arts scene, tech and healthcare hubs, and plenty of coffee-fueled study spots. And yes, a few goat-themed traditions give the place a memorable personality, plus global project opportunities many talk about long after graduation.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) offers 54 degree programs across 14 major academic fields, graduating approximately 2,187 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Engineering (17 programs, 1,262 graduates), Computer & IT (4 programs, 391 graduates), Interdisciplinary (7 programs, 198 graduates), Biological Sciences (5 programs, 106 graduates) and Business (5 programs, 94 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Engineering (17 programs, 1,262 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 297 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.1901 |
| Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering | 235 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.4201 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 175 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.1001 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 149 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.0501 |
| Aerospace Engineering | 102 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
14.0201 |
| Chemical Engineering | 77 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.0701 |
| Civil Engineering | 55 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.0801 |
| Systems Engineering | 48 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
14.2701 |
| Environmental Health Engineering | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
14.1401 |
| Industrial Engineering | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.3501 |
| Architectural Engineering | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0401 |
| Materials Engineering | 18 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.1801 |
| Engineering | 14 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
14.9999 |
| Civil Engineering | 7 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
14.0899 |
| Engineering Physics | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
14.1201 |
| Manufacturing Engineering | 5 |
|
Master's
|
14.3601 |
| Nuclear Engineering | 1 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
14.2301 |
Computer & IT (4 programs, 391 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 351 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
11.0701 |
| Software and Media Applications | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0899 |
| Information Technology | 12 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
11.0103 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 3 |
|
Master's
|
11.1003 |
Interdisciplinary (7 programs, 198 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Science | 106 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
30.7001 |
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 57 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
30.9999 |
| Sustainability Studies | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
30.3301 |
| Human-Computer Interaction | 10 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
30.3101 |
| Business Analytics | 10 |
|
Master's
|
30.7102 |
| Science, Technology, and Society | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.1501 |
| Systems Science and Theory | 1 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
30.0601 |
Biological Sciences (5 programs, 106 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 45 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26.0202 |
| Biomathematics and Computational Biology | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
26.1199 |
| Biotechnology | 14 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
26.1201 |
| Neuroscience | 2 |
|
Master's
|
26.1501 |
Business (5 programs, 94 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 41 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0101 |
| Business Administration and Management | 39 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
52.0201 |
| Management Information Systems | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1201 |
| Management Science | 6 |
|
Master's
|
52.1301 |
| Business and Management Services | 1 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.9999 |
Mathematics (5 programs, 45 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
27.0101 |
| Mathematics and Statistics | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.9999 |
| Statistics | 6 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
27.0501 |
| Mathematics | 4 |
|
Master's
|
27.0199 |
| Applied Mathematics | 2 |
|
Master's
|
27.0301 |
Physical Sciences (3 programs, 33 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
Arts (1 programs, 20 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game and Interactive Media Design | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0411 |
Communication (1 programs, 11 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical and Scientific Communication | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0908 |
Eng. Technologies (1 programs, 10 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Management | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
15.1501 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
How much does it cost to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)?
The annual tuition at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is $58,870 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $79,342 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $18,072 and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Worcester Polytechnic Institute offer?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) offers 54 academic programs across 14 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research).
Most popular program areas include:
- Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions (17 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (4 programs)
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (7 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (5 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has an 58.5% acceptance rate and a 19.7% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 11,809
- Students admitted: 6,908
- Students enrolled: 1,360
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) provides financial aid to 26% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $28,005 and average loans of $14,606.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,028
- State/Local grants: $2,939
- Institutional grants: $26,795
- Federal loans: $5,335
The university supports 1,282 students with grants and 731 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) graduates earn a median salary of $85,038 after 6 years and $103,470 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $77,738 (25th percentile) to $129,699 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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