Named after Worcester, England, it looks like it should be pronounced “Wore-sess-ter.” However, it’s actually pronounced “Wooster” (or, depending on your New England accent, “Wuh-stah”). Either way, the first “r” is mysteriously silent.
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Worcester: It’s our first name.
WPI is located in the heart of Worcester, New England’s second largest city, about 40 miles west of Boston. With more than 38,000 students on 9 campuses, Worcester offers the charm and ease of a college town with the convenience of urban living—including a lively cultural scene, world-class restaurants, close-knit neighborhoods, beautiful parks, affordable cost of living, quality public schools, and easy access to area transportation.
Why Worcester?
A vibrant and historic city, and a hub for higher education and innovation, Worcester has much to offer WPI students, faculty, and staff.
- Worcester No.18 for best places to live to earn a high salary (Business Insider, 2017)
- Five-time recipient of the All-American City Award
- No. 7 on “Best Small Cities for College Grads” (2013)
- Best City to Raise a Family (Forbes) and a Top City for Families
- Ranked among the country's top 5 Biotech Hot Spots (CNNMoney.com)
- Ninth in the nation for culture and leisure activities (Forbes.com)
- Among the top 40 cities in the U.S. to live and launch a business
Explore demographics, education, employment, income, and other trends in the latest Worcester Census Report.
Heart of the Commonwealth
Notice the hearts on the city’s street signs? The heart is the official symbol of Worcester in recognition of its place as the “Heart of the Commonwealth.”
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Heart of the Commonwealth