WPI vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA with Worcester State University in Worcester, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is larger than Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (7,584 students vs. 5,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Worcester Polytechnic Institute 13:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

WPI vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WPI or Worcester State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Worcester State University than WPI ($12,778 vs. $47,372).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 22.2% lower than at Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($14,307 vs. $18,386).
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute is 417.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $49,179 more per year; $60,965.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 241.2% higher at WPI than at Worcester State University (about $43,099 more per year; $60,965.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester Polytechnic Institute than at Worcester State University (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Worcester Polytechnic Institute students is 233.3% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($31,545 vs. $9,464).

WPI vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WPI or Worcester State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Worcester State University and WPI.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWorcester State University 1026/1283.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WPI - Test-free; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WPI Feb 15, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WPI students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than WPI (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at WPI vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

WPI vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WPI and Worcester State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Worcester Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $33,500 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,700 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than WPI graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WPI graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More WPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.