Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Maryland-College Park vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 19
- Worcester Polytechnic Wins
- 7
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Worcester Polytechnic Institute achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $43,071 compared to University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Maryland-College Park's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Maryland-College Park
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $27,393 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Worcester Polytechnic
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $103,470 ten years after enrollment, 25% more than University of Maryland-College Park
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Maryland-College Park graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (25% of degrees); Worcester Polytechnic in Engineering (58%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Worcester Polytechnic Institute over University of Maryland-College Park. Median earnings of $103,470 ten years after enrollment vs $82,860.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Net price $15,678 vs $43,071.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Maryland-College Park and Worcester Polytechnic Institute are close on paper, but University of Maryland-College Park wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Maryland-College Park is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute takes 60%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Maryland-College Park sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $27,393 a year below Worcester Polytechnic Institute's $43,071. Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park also borrow less: median debt of $19,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $109,572 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates report median earnings of $103,470, compared with $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park. That is a 25% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Maryland-College Park has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 25% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Maryland-College Park to keep costs and debt down; pick Worcester Polytechnic Institute for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Maryland-College Park saves about $27,393 a year, yet Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn $20,610 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. University of Maryland-College Park concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Maryland-College Park's enrollment of 30,760 far exceeds Worcester Polytechnic Institute's 5,447.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $43,071 runs well above University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $19,000 at University of Maryland-College Park.
- Business and consulting-track students: Worcester Polytechnic Institute has less business program depth, and University of Maryland-College Park offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Maryland-College Park holds onto its admits more tightly: 22% of admitted students enroll, versus 9% at Worcester Polytechnic — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Worcester Polytechnic offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Maryland-College Park does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Worcester Polytechnic, where only about 16% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
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 They Appear On
University of Maryland-College Park is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Maryland ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Maryland-College Park's top program is Computer Science (25% of enrollment), while Worcester Polytechnic leads with Mechanical Engineering (58%).
Maryland-College Park
Worcester Polytechnic
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Maryland-College Park) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Worcester Polytechnic).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Maryland-College Park is strongest in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Visual & Performing Arts. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Maryland-College Park or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
University of Maryland-College Park is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 60% at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Which is more affordable, University of Maryland-College Park or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $43,071 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Do University of Maryland-College Park or Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,470 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Maryland-College Park or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 89%.
Should you choose University of Maryland-College Park or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Worcester Polytechnic Institute if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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