Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Campus Identity
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Worcester, MA. Approximately 5,447 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 60% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Wachusett Reservoir, just 5 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 16 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 51/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Worcester, MA. Approximately 5,447 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 60% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Wachusett Reservoir, just 5 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 16 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 51/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a 5,000–9,999, urban school with NCAA D3 athletics and a greek life dominant Greek scene. The campus is 7 miles from Ski Ward Ski Area.
Athletics
NCAA D3
New England Women's and Men's Athletic
Greek Life
Greek Life Dominant
22% frats · 27% sororities
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Urban setting
Weather
Cold Climate
41°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Worcester Polytechnic Institute students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Ski Ward Ski Area, 7 miles away with 4 lifts and 45 skiable acres. All are within 26 miles of campus.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Lake Life Campus
Wachusett Reservoir is 5 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Worcester Polytechnic Institute students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Wachusett Reservoir
Lake access within 5.1 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Worcester, MA
Worcester has a cool climate, with winters averaging 25°F in Jan and summers peaking around 71°F in Jul.
Station: WORCESTER REGIONAL Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Worcester Polytechnic Institute in MA earns a composite safety score of 51/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $60,965 |
| Fees | $1,091 |
| Room & Board | $17,906 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $79,962 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
123 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Worcester Polytechnic Institute located?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is located in Worcester, MA. The main campus address is 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has an acceptance rate of 60%, making it moderately selective. Out of 12,559 applicants, 7,555 were admitted in the most recent year. 5,447 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Worcester Polytechnic Institute charges $60,965/year in tuition. Including room and board ($17,906/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $55,731/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $43,071/year — what students actually pay. Use Worcester Polytechnic Institute's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Does Worcester Polytechnic Institute have college sports?
Yes — Worcester Polytechnic Institute competes at the NCAA D3 level in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.
Is Worcester Polytechnic Institute the right fit for me?
Whether Worcester Polytechnic Institute is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (60% admit rate), avg net price ($43,071/year after aid), campus culture in Worcester, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Worcester Polytechnic Institute against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Worcester Polytechnic Institute directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Worcester, MA
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- NCAA
- NCAA D3
- Conference
- New England Women's and Men's Athletic
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 41°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 51/100
- Nearest Airport
- Worcester, MA (ORH) · 4 mialso BED (30 mi), OWD (33 mi)
Location
Worcester, MA