Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States • Founded 1865 • World Rank #831
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.
Bachelor's Degree
35 programmes
Worcester Polytechnic Institute lists 35 programmes that award a bachelor's degree — the foundational tier where students establish a discipline before narrowing their focus later.
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Architectural Engineering General Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Physics General Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Mathematics and Statistics, Other Mathematics
Science, Technology and Society Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
41 programmes
Explore 41 programmes of postgraduate study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Architecture Architecture
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Physics General Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Materials Engineering General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering General Engineering
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering General Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Mathematics and Computer Science Liberal Arts
Human Computer Interaction Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
27 programmes
Worcester Polytechnic Institute delivers 27 programmes at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Physics General Engineering
Materials Engineering General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering General Engineering
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering General Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
20 programmes
These 20 programmes group Worcester Polytechnic Institute's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering General Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering General Engineering
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering General Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Human Computer Interaction Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
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.
- 1 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.
- 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 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 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 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 Often 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.
