Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Worcester Polytechnic Institute at a Glance
The Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1865, WPI was one of the United States' first engineering and technology universities and now has 14 academic departments with over 50 bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degree programs. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".
1865
161 years old
$734M
$733.9 million (2025)
7,388
5,461 undergrad · 1,927 grad
478
80 acres
Identity
Is Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worth It?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers moderate value at $43,071/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $103,470, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
With a 89% graduation rate, the vast majority of students finish their degree and reach these earning outcomes.
How Worcester Polytechnic Institute compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #5 of 13 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Illinois Institute of Technology | 83 | $18,425 | $82,592 |
| #2 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | 69 | $22,453 | $89,070 |
| #3 | University of San Diego | 59 | $30,365 | $86,522 |
| #4 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | 59 | $36,228 | $102,051 |
| #5 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 54 | $43,071 | $103,470 |
| #6 | Stonehill College | 46 | $33,016 | $77,745 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Worcester Polytechnic Institute's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in MA.
Best Programs at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
The highest-earning program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is Computer Science at $88,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $37,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Worcester Polytechnic Institute earns $88,000, while a Biology, General graduate earns $37,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Science graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $43,071/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $88,000 | $88,000 | $27,000 |
| Engineering, Other | $74,800 | $74,800 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $70,700 | $70,700 | $27,000 |
| Chemical Engineering | $68,800 | $68,800 | $27,000 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $68,200 | $68,200 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $65,800 | $65,800 | $27,000 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | $64,300 | $64,300 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering | $61,600 | $61,600 | $27,000 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $54,800 | $54,800 | $27,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $53,900 | $53,900 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $37,400 | $37,400 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Worcester, MA
- Student Body
- 5,447 students
- Admission Rate
- 60%
- Graduation Rate
- 89%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $43,071
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $103,470
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000