Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States • Founded 1865 • World Rank #831
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1865, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Worcester (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.
Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 159-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
WPI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
The numbers below cover the academic side of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Academic calendar conventions vary — semester, trimester, or quarter systems each carry different teaching rhythms.
Academic Structures
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's constituent schools and faculties. Continuing education or professional development units are typically separate from full-time degree-granting units.
Unit 3 items
- Department of Arts and Sciences
- Department of Engineering
- Foisie Business School
Programs Offered
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's catalogue, searchable by name and grouped by level. Joint programmes with partner institutions appear here but carry dual-credentialing rules worth checking with both bodies.
123 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 35 programmes
Showing 10 of 35.
Master's Degree 41 programmes
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Doctorate 27 programmes
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Postgraduate Certificate 20 programmes
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How to apply to Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Practical steps to apply to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Worcester Polytechnic Institute runs 123 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Worcester Polytechnic Institute's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.wpi.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (508) 831 5000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Quick answers to the most common questions about Worcester Polytechnic Institute — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
In what year was Worcester Polytechnic Institute established?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1865 (approximately 161 years ago).
Where is Worcester Polytechnic Institute located?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is located in Worcester, United States.
Is Worcester Polytechnic Institute public or private?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Student enrolment at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is around 5,000-5,999.
What is Worcester Polytechnic Institute's ranking?
It ranks #831 globally and #144 in United States.
How many faculties does Worcester Polytechnic Institute have?
The institution comprises 3 academic units.
Is Worcester Polytechnic Institute accredited?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
What is Worcester Polytechnic Institute's official website?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's official website is www.wpi.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
When shortlisting in the United States, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Worcester Polytechnic Institute, helpful for calibrating where Worcester Polytechnic Institute sits in the broader landscape.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members offer mobility and exchange compatibility with Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Exchange compatibility is one of the more practical benefits of shared network membership.
Faculties at nearby universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around Worcester Polytechnic Institute draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts is taught at multiple universities across the United States — these alternatives to Worcester Polytechnic Institute are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.
Universities Compared with Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Worcester Polytechnic Institute in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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