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Worcester Polytechnic Institute brand mark

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, United States • Founded 1865 • QS 2027 #901-950

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: wpi.edu

Overview

Acronyms: WPI
Founded: 1865
Institution Type: Polytechnic
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #901-950 Times Higher Education 2026 #601-800 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #901-1000 SCImago 2026 #831
Motto: Lehr und Kunst
Colours: Crimson and grey
Mascot: Gompei the Goat
Worcester Polytechnic Institute brand mark

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

Find Worcester Polytechnic Institute on the map and its contact channels below.

Address: 100 Institute Road
Postal Code: 01609-2280
Phone: +1 (508) 831 5000
Fax: +1 (508) 831 5875
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Worcester Polytechnic Institute are listed below.

Recognition: New England Commission of Higher Education
Total Students: 5,447
Academic Staff Range: 400-499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Independent Technological Universities (AITU) Higher Education Consortium Central Massachusetts (HECCMA) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's faculties, schools, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 19 items
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Department of Arts and Sciences
  • Department of Engineering
  • Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Fire Protection Engineering
  • Foisie Business School
  • Humanities & Arts
  • Learning Sciences & Technologies
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Mechanical & Materials Engineering
  • Robotics Engineering
  • Social Science & Policy Studies
  • Systems Engineering
  • The Global School

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers is searchable and grouped by level below.

99 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 31 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Artificial Intelligence
AI & Machine Learning

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 31.

Master's Degree 35 programmes

Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence
AI & Machine Learning

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 35.

Doctorate 22 programmes

Showing 10 of 22.

Postgraduate Certificate 10 programmes

How to apply to Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Five steps that capture how applications to Worcester Polytechnic Institute flow.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Worcester Polytechnic Institute runs 99 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

Common questions about Worcester Polytechnic Institute, answered from data on record.

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 5,447.

What is Worcester Polytechnic Institute's ranking?

It ranks QS 2027 #901-950.

How many faculties does Worcester Polytechnic Institute have?

The institution comprises 19 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.

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Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

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