At $43,273/yr net price, Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn $103,470/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $69,470/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $43,273 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $173,092 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $103,470/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$69,470/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 88.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,870/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,286/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,195/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,713/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,567/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $119,061 | |
| Computer Science. | Master | $109,763 | |
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $97,959 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $96,405 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $95,207 | $27,000 |
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $79,688 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $79,598 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $79,284 | |
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $78,814 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $26,254 |
The Risk Factor
88.4% of students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Worcester Polytechnic Institute delivers strong ROI with median earnings of $103,470 after ten years, making the $43,273 annual net price a worthwhile investment for most graduates. The 88% graduation rate and low median debt of $27,000 create favorable financial conditions.
Business Administration leads earnings at $119,061, followed closely by Computer Science at $109,763. Engineering disciplines like Systems Engineering and Electrical Engineering also command solid mid-90k salaries. These programs align well with New England's tech corridor and manufacturing base, giving WPI graduates local career advantages.
The school's project-based curriculum and strong industry connections in Massachusetts help explain why graduates earn above-average starting salaries. However, only 10% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families who don't qualify for assistance but still struggle with the high sticker price.
You should consider WPI if you're targeting engineering, computer science, or business programs and can handle the upfront costs. The school makes financial sense for students who will complete their degrees and enter high-paying STEM fields. Skip WPI if you're undecided on major, considering lower-paying fields, or need substantial financial aid that the school historically doesn't provide generously.
The main financial risk lies in the limited aid availability combined with high costs. If you don't graduate or switch to a lower-paying field, the debt burden becomes problematic. However, the strong retention rate and focused STEM curriculum minimize these risks for committed students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Worcester Polytechnic Institute worth the high tuition cost?
WPI graduates earn $103,470 ten years after graduation, which is strong for a STEM school, but the $43,273 annual net price means you'll pay significantly more than state schools. The investment pays off best for computer science and business majors who see starting salaries above $95,000.
How much student debt do Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates typically have?
WPI graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the school's strong earning outcomes. With graduates earning over $100,000 within ten years, most can handle this debt load without major financial stress.
Which Worcester Polytechnic Institute programs offer the best return on investment?
Business administration leads with $119,061 in early-career earnings, followed by computer science at $109,763. Systems engineering and electrical engineering also perform well, with graduates earning $96,000-$98,000 early in their careers.
Does Worcester Polytechnic Institute provide enough financial aid to make it affordable?
WPI's $43,273 net price after aid is still expensive for most families. While the school does provide financial aid, many students will need loans or significant family contributions to afford attendance.