Worcester Polytechnic Institute Featured Image
  Universities  United States  Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Logo

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester - Massachusetts, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 29,556
  • Tuition Fee From$ 26,160
  • Country Rank#190
  • Batch Strength5,982
  • Global Diversity19%
  • Gender Ratio37 : 63

Overview

About

The Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts. One of the first engineering and technology universities in the US, the university was established in 1865. It now has 14 academic departments offering over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, management, humanities, and the liberal arts that can help students obtain Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees. A number of research areas, including nanotechnology, surface metrology, fuel cells, information security, and biotechnology, are offered with a faculty that works towards helping students gain more knowledge. It is listed as belonging to the category "R2: Doctoral Universities - High Research Activity".

 

It was the first campus among engineering and technology universities in the country and the university currently provides students with 70 undergraduate and graduate STEM majors. At the university, computer science and robotics engineering are the two programs with the highest student enrollments. Worcester Polytechnic Institution's acceptance rate is 60% with 4,170+ undergraduate students and 1,960+ postgraduate students whereas the acceptance percentage for early admissions is about 72.2%. International students must have an 85% to 94% average GPA and a strong academic focus on math in order to be accepted to WPI.

 

The university is primarily an undergraduate-focused institution and the expansion of graduate and research programs is gradually rising. The expansion of the biotechnology sector in Worcester was greatly assisted by the university’s Bioengineering Institute. Significant research in other fields such as robotics, metallurgy, untethered health care, fuel cells, the learning sciences, applied mathematics, and fire protection currently helps to maintain the university's position as an important, specialized research university. Additionally, Robert Goddard, Howard Freeman, R. Sanford Riley, Elwood Haynes, Todd Akin, Paul Allaire, Harold Stephen Black, Loree Griffin Burns, Giovanni Capriglone, and many more make up the alumni of the university.

Ranking

QS World University Ranking 2024:

Worcester Polytechnic Institute has shown excellence by securing 601–800 spot on the global scale.


In the 2021 ranking of the "Best Colleges" in the United States by the US News & World Report, WPI was ranked tied for 66th among national colleges. Among national colleges, it was ranked tied for 42nd for "Most Innovative," 67th for "Best Value," and 265th for "Top Performers on Social Mobility" by the US News & World Report. Businessweek ranked the university first in the country for its part-time MBA program and first in the country for student satisfaction with the program. For its sustainability initiatives, the university was awarded a gold rating in the Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (commonly known as STARS). Take a look at some of Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s rankings in 2022 -

  • 601st - 800th in the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings
  • 121st in the US College Rankings by THE
  • 191st - 206th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
  • 120th in the Wall Street Journal College Rankings
  • 93rd in America’s Top College Rankings by Forbes
  • 99th in the National University Rankings by Washington Monthly

 

Course Rankings:

The Worcester Polytechnic Institute courses have been ranked by top platforms like QS and Times Higher Education, let’s take a look at some of the subject rankings -

Science, Medicine & Nursing

THE Clinical, Pre-Clinical & Health: #501 - 600

THE Physical Sciences: #601 - 800

THE Social Sciences: #601+

THE Computer Sciences: #301 - 400

 

Business & Economics

THE Business & Economics: #301 - 400

 

Engineering

QS Mechanical Engineering: #251 - 300

QS Electrical & Electronic Engineering: #401 - 450

THE Engineering & Technology: #501 - 600

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#801 - 1000

#1271

2022

#751 - 800

#1271

Facilities

The Facilities Office's goal is to give the university’s community a secure, hygienic, and well-maintained environment to support their academic and social endeavors. The Custodial team, Grounds crew, Trades, Environmental Health and Safety, Capital Projects, Events Office, and Customer Service Center make up the team.  Here are some of Worcester Polytechnic Institute facilities in detail -

 

  • Athletics - The campus’ most important part is health and well-being which enhances culture in each and every student's experience while studying at the university. From rowing to soccer to basketball, the university’s varsity sports provide a huge amount of opportunities for students to pursue their interests.
  • Community: Students get to join a tight-knit, welcoming, and secure community with a strong support network available to assist them intellectually, emotionally, physically, and culturally. Along the process, students develop an understanding of both themselves and other people, make new friends, pursue both long-term interests and new ones, develop leadership abilities, give back to the community, acquire practical experience, and have fun.
  • Sustainability - The sustainable facilities at WPI are led and steered by the Office of Sustainability. To achieve the university's sustainability objectives, the Office coordinates initiatives across the administrative, academic, and facilities departments.
  • Events Office - Using the event management system known as 25Live, the Events Office plans and assists with the coordination of successful events across the the university campus which gives students the chance to participate in various events.

Notable Alumni

Curtis Carlson
Curtis Carlson
Researcher
Nancy Pimental
Nancy Pimental
American Actress
Michelle Gass
Michelle Gass
Chief Executive Officer of Kohl's

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst's acceptance rate is 65% while the early acceptance rate is 74.4% indicating that the admissions are more selective at the university.  For overseas students seeking higher education, this university is a desirable option since it provides the best graduate and undergraduate programmes. 

 

The University Of Massachusetts, Amherst Fees

 

Listed below are the University of Massachusetts, Amherst fees based on different courses for international students-

 

  • Master of Science Computer Science - $34,352 /Yr
  • Master of Science Business Analytics - $30,116 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Computer Science - $36,316 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Science - $36,316 /Yr
  • Master Business and Analytics - $3,892 /Yr
  • Master of Business Administration - $31,970 /Yr
  • Master of Science Design - $34,352 /Yr
  • Master of Arts Economics - $11,525 /Yr
  • Master Public Policy - $36,946 /Yr

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Entry Requirements

The application for every student must be submitted electronically, any type of mail delivered to the WPI office in paper form is not accepted. An English proficiency waiver may be requested by applicants who have successfully completed two consecutive years of full-time, university-level study in the past five years in a nation where English is the official language. Students who attended a school where English is the language of instruction but where it is not the official language of the nation are not eligible for a waiver. Students can apply through the Online Application on the university’s website; with an application fee of $70 for postgraduate students and undergraduate degrees do not have an application fee. Some of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute entry requirements include -

Undergraduate Admission Requirements: 

  • Official high school transcripts
  • Average high school GPA of 3.92/4 (94%+)
  • ​Standardized exams to study in the USA (optional)
  • SAT/ACT scores (not needed)
  • English proficiency test scores
    • TOEFL iBT: 90
    • IELTS: 7
    • Duolingo: 115
    • PTE: 61
  • School counselor letter of recommendation
  • Recommendation letters from teachers (preferably from a math or science teacher)

 

Postgraduate Admission Requirements: 

  • Official Transcripts
  • ​Standardized exams- GMAT/GRE
  • GMAT: 600 minimum
  • GPA of 3.0/4 (85%) minimum
  • Work experience of 3 or more years
  • English proficiency test scores
    • TOEFL iBT: 84
    • IELTS: 7
    • Duolingo: 115
  • Resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • 2-3 Letter of Recommendation

 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Fees

For undergraduate and graduate students, the Office of Student Aid & Financial Literacy offers comprehensive Cost of Attendance Budgets. These budgets help WPI to determine a student's need-based aid eligibility and financial aid awards. The level of program students select as well as the type of course specializations influences Worcester Polytechnic Institute fees for each program. Universities further charge for the amenities and services offered on campus. Let’s take a look at some of the costs for various courses -

  • Medical & Pure Sciences: $28,980 - $54,640
  • Business Management & Entrepreneurship: $26,136 - $54,640
  • Computer Science & Technology: $28,980 - $54,640
  • Engineering: $26,160 - $54,640
  • Mathematics & Physics: $28,980 - $54,640

 

Placement

Worcester Polytechnic Institute placements gives student many opportunities for their future. During summer, the university offers a summer internship programme that enables students to gain practical experience which gives them a higher chance of attainting a good placement in a comapny. Students at the university have the opportunity to earn between $21,000 and $26,000 per year through the cooperative education program. Scholarships offered in the USA and co-op earnings aid in cost-effective cost management. The Career and Development Center at WPI assists students with career planning by setting up programs to improve their abilities and providing counseling. With a 94.8% employment rate, the Ph.D. alumni are the most employable according to first destination activity statistics. 84.6% of Master's degree holders are employed, which is a high percentage.

Scholarship

Regardless of the programme you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by Worcester Polytechnic Institute as well as other organisations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute through UniScholars. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:
 

  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Need-based scholarships
  • Country-specific scholarships
  • College-specific scholarships
  • Student-specific scholarships

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or in a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodation near the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Worcester, Massachusetts is 17% more expensive than the national average. The typical pay in the area, your career, and the local real estate market can all affect how much it costs to live there. Take a look at the division of the cost of living in Worcester, Massachusetts below -

 

Item

Cost (Per Month)

Off-Campus Accommodation

$1,808

On-Campus Accommodation

$988

Transportation

$95

Food 

$406

Utility 

$233

Entertainment

$50

Groceries

$48

Clothes

$56

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

$2,777

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

$1,957

Annual Cost of Living

$33,322

FAQs