Worcester Polytechnic Institute Massachusetts

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private engineering and STEM-focused university in Worcester, Massachusetts, known for hands-on project-based learning and strong industry connections.

College statistics

Address:
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA
01609
Sector Group:
Private Not-for-Profit 4-Year or Above
Official Website:
https://www.wpi.edu/
Setting:
City
Research Activity Tier:
Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production
Economic Mobility Index:
Lower Access, Higher Earnings
Primary Undergraduate Major:
Engineering

WPI is a mid-sized private university with a laser focus on engineering, science, and technology. The school has built its reputation on a distinctive project-based curriculum where students tackle real-world problems from day one. It's located in Worcester, a city in central Massachusetts with a growing tech and manufacturing sector, which gives students plenty of internship and research opportunities nearby. The campus community is tight-knit and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and practical problem-solving.

WPI enrolls about 7,353 students and charges $59,070 in tuition annually, with room and board adding another $18,072, bringing the total cost of attendance to roughly $79,542 per year. The school has a solid endowment of about $202 million, which helps fund financial aid and campus resources. It's a moderately selective school—about 58.5% of applicants get in—so while it's not impossible to gain admission, you'll need solid grades and test scores, especially in math and science.

WPI graduates at a strong rate of 88.4% within six years, and the school is classified as a doctoral research institution, meaning undergraduates have genuine access to research opportunities. If you're serious about engineering or applied science and want a school that treats you like a problem-solver rather than a passive learner, WPI is worth a close look. The downside is the cost and the intensity—this isn't a school for students looking for an easy ride.