Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

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About the University

Founded in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a leading global technological university renowned for its innovative, project-based approach to education. WPI believes that students learn best by applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, preparing them to become forward-thinking, collaborative, and compassionate STEM professionals who make meaningful contributions to society.

Through its award-winning curriculum, students engage in solving critical scientific, technological, and societal problems—both on campus and at more than 50 project centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

As an R1 research institution, WPI is among only 187 U.S. universities recognized for “very high research activity” and doctoral productivity. In 2024, the university submitted 433 research proposals, with $71.6 million in research expenditures and $59.95 million in sponsored funding from government, corporate, and private partners.

WPI graduates consistently achieve strong career outcomes, with the Class of 2024 earning an average starting salary of $80,294. The university ranks among the top 5.3% of institutions worldwide (Center for World University Rankings, 2025), the Top 100 U.S. colleges for ROI among low-income students (Georgetown University, 2022), and #22 for Best Value/Top ROI (PayScale, 2024). It also holds high rankings for career outcomes (#15, Poets&Quants, 2022) and career placement (#15, Princeton Review, 2025).

A national leader in engineering, technology, and innovation, WPI is ranked #1 for Best Online Master’s in Engineering (Forbes, 2023), #4 for Best Online Master’s in Computer Science (Fortune, 2025), #22 among Best Graduate Online Engineering Programs (U.S. News, 2025), and in the Top 25 for Best Online MBA Programs (Poets&Quants, 2025). Its Game Design program ranks #12 nationally (Princeton Review, 2025).

WPI’s academic excellence spans disciplines—placing in the Top 20% globally for Business and Economics and the Top 25% for Computer Science (Times Higher Education, 2024). The university is also among the Top 30 Best Graduate Engineering Schools for Veterans and ranks #86 among Best National Universities (U.S. News & World Report, 2025).

Located on a scenic 95-acre hilltop campus in Worcester, Massachusetts—the state’s second-largest city—WPI continues to be recognized as a Best Value College and a Top College for Creating Futures (Princeton Review, 2025).