# Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

> Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private STEM-focused research university founded in 1865 in Worcester, Massachusetts. R1 Carnegie Classification (very high research activity). School colors: crimson and gray. Mascot: Gompei the Goat. President: Grace J. Wang, PhD. WPI enrolls approximately 5,300 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students across 70+ degree programs in 18 academic departments on a 95-acre hilltop campus. Known for project-based learning through The WPI Plan, a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 50+ global project centers on six continents. U.S. News & World Report ranks WPI #86 among Best National Universities. Most popular undergraduate major: Computer Science, followed by Mechanical Engineering. Average starting salary for the Class of 2024: $80,294 (bachelor's), $95,444 (master's). 91% outcomes rate within 6 months. Test-optional admissions began in 2007. 90% six-year graduation rate. 95% first-year retention rate.

## Academics

- [Undergraduate Programs](https://www.wpi.edu/academics/undergraduate): 38 bachelor's degree programs in engineering, sciences, computing, business, and humanities
- [Graduate Programs](https://www.wpi.edu/academics/graduate): 70+ graduate programs, including 26 PhD programs; many available online; STEM OPT-eligible
- [The WPI Plan](https://www.wpi.edu/about/wpi-history/wpi-plan): Project-based curriculum with 7-week terms, no failing grades, and 3 major projects required for all undergraduates
- [Global Projects Program](https://www.wpi.edu/project-based-learning/project-based-education/global-project-program): 50+ project centers on six continents; 85%+ of undergraduates complete a project abroad
- [Online Programs](https://www.wpi.edu/academics/online): #1 online master's in engineering (Forbes, 2023); top-ranked online MBA, CS, data science, and IT programs
- [Course Catalog](https://www.wpi.edu/academics/academic-catalog): Full listing of courses and degree requirements

## Admissions

- [Undergraduate Admissions](https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/undergraduate): Test-optional starting in 2007; 62% acceptance rate; $70 application fee; Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision options
- [How to Apply](https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/how-to): Apply via Common Application; step-by-step instructions
- [Graduate Admissions](https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/graduate): Rolling admissions for most programs; GRE/GMAT optional for many programs
- [International Students](https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/international-students): 14% international enrollment from 80+ countries; TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo accepted; I-20 support; STEM OPT eligible
- [Transfer Students](https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/transfer-students): Transfer applications accepted; credit evaluation available
- [Tuition & Financial Aid](https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/cost-attendance): $280M+ in undergraduate grant aid awarded
- [Alumni Tuition Incentive](https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/types-of-aid/alumni-tuition-incentive): 20% tuition discount for alumni pursuing a master's degree

## Research

- [Research at WPI](https://www.wpi.edu/research): R1 Carnegie Classification (very high research activity); $100M+ in research expenditures
- [Innovation & Entrepreneurship](https://www.wpi.edu/offices/vice-provost-research/technology-innovation-entrepreneurship): $1.7 billion raised for WPI startups (2013-2023); 70+ patents issued since 2016

## Student Life

- [Clubs & Organizations](https://www.wpi.edu/student-experience/getting-involved/clubs-organizations): 235+ student clubs and organizations
- [Athletics](https://www.wpi.edu/student-experience/athletics): 20 NCAA Division III varsity sports; 80% of students involved in sports activities
- [Housing & Dining](https://www.wpi.edu/student-experience/housing-dining): Housing guaranteed for first-years; 95%+ of first-year students live on campus; multiple dining locations and meal plans
- [Greek Life](https://www.wpi.edu/student-experience/getting-involved/fraternities-sororities): 15+ fraternities and sororities; ~30% participation

## Career Outcomes

- [Career Development Center](https://www.wpi.edu/offices/career-development-center): 400+ employers recruit on campus; 650+ organizations employ recent WPI graduates
- [First Destination Survey](https://cdc.wpi.edu/): 91% outcomes rate within 6 months (Class of 2024, all degree levels); top employers include RTX, BAE Systems, Fidelity, Pfizer, Amazon, NVIDIA
- [Graduate School Destinations](https://cdc.wpi.edu/): Carnegie Mellon, Harvard, Brown, Columbia, Stanford, MIT, Georgia Tech, and more

## Notable Alumni

- [Robert H. Goddard](https://www.wpi.edu/about/robertgoddard): Class of 1908 -- "Father of Modern Rocketry," launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket (1926)
- [Paul Liberman ’05](https://wp.wpi.edu/journal/articles/its-good-to-be-king/): DraftKings co-founder

## Campus Facilities

- [Boynton Hall](https://www.wpi.edu/visit): The chapel side of Boynton Hall contains 5 iMac workstations available to students

## Optional

- [About WPI](https://www.wpi.edu/about): Founded in 1865 by John Boynton and Ichabod Washburn; one of the nation's first engineering and technology universities
- [Office of the President](https://www.wpi.edu/offices/president): Grace J. Wang, PhD -- 17th president of WPI
- [Visit Campus](https://www.wpi.edu/visit): Schedule information sessions, campus tours, and virtual visits
- [Campus Map](https://www.wpi.edu/visit): 95-acre hilltop campus with 55+ buildings in Worcester, MA -- 40 miles west of Boston
- [News](https://www.wpi.edu/news): Latest university news and research highlights
- [Events](https://www.wpi.edu/calendar): Campus events and open houses
- [Contact](https://www.wpi.edu/contact): 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609 | (508) 831-5000