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Colleges / MA / Worcester
Worcester Polytechnic Institute logo

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Private nonprofit Worcester, MA · Urban · New England · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
89%
Graduation Rate
$103,470
Earnings (10yr)
$43,071
Net Price
60%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, nearly 5,500 students engage deeply in hands-on learning, particularly in engineering, computer science, biology, and the arts. With a 60% acceptance rate, it attracts a diverse group of learners who thrive in a practical, project-oriented environment. The school's commitment to experiential education stands out, offering students opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, which is crucial for those aiming to bridge theory and practice.

Looking beyond graduation, WPI graduates can expect solid financial returns, with a median earnings figure of $103,470 just ten years after earning their degree. This kind of earning potential is significant, especially considering the school's 89% graduation rate, which suggests that most students not only complete their degrees but also move into well-paying jobs. Affordability is a factor too; with a net price of $43,071 after aid, many students find that the investment pays off in their career trajectories.

When it comes to the financial bottom line, WPI students graduate with a median debt of $27,000, a manageable amount considering their earning potential. This is particularly relevant for those who are mindful of their financial future. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are driven, curious, and ready to tackle challenges head-on in a collaborative atmosphere. Overall, WPI is a solid choice for students looking to make a meaningful impact in their fields while achieving strong financial outcomes.

Rankings

How Worcester Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation89%Earnings 10yr$103KNet Price$43KRetention94%Median Debt$27KPell Grant Rate12%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$24K$0-30K$24K$30-48K$32K$48-75K$50K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%322.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%6757.2%MOBILITY217.58%

Cost & Financial Aid

$60,965
In-State Tuition
$60,965
Out-of-State
$43,071
Avg Net Price
$27,000
Median Debt
12%
Pell Grant Rate
52%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$24,018
Family Income $0–$30K
$24,452
Family Income $30K–$48K
$32,350
Family Income $48K–$75K
$49,716
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$85,038
6 Years After Entry
$100,553
8 Years
$103,470
10 Years
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
90%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$85,038 6yr $100,553 8yr $103,470 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

217.58%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
6757.2%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
322.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$109,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.76
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.2%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

6.796%
Inventor Rate
164
Total Patents
185
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 60%
Retention Rate 94%
Full-Time Faculty 83%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,376
Diversity Index 0.56
First-Gen Students 13%

Top Programs

Engineering 62%
Computer Science & IT 20%
Biology & Biomedical 6%
Mathematics & Statistics 2%
Visual & Performing Arts 2%
Physical Sciences 1%
Business & Marketing 1%
Psychology 1%