Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) vs Roger Williams University (RWU)

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Roger Williams University (RWU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning, each offering unique educational experiences. WPI, a private research university, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 44%, while RWU, a private liberal arts university, maintains a more open admissions policy with an acceptance rate of 78%. WPI's student body is predominantly male (63%), while RWU's student body is more evenly balanced, with 49% male and 51% female students. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with WPI specializing in STEM fields and RWU offering a broader selection of majors in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. With graduation rates of 86% and 75% respectively, both WPI and RWU are committed to student success and ensuring their graduates are well-prepared for their chosen careers. To help you make an informed decision about

	Roger Williams University	Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Overview
Location	Bristol, Rhode Island	Worcester, Massachusetts
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	81.0%	94.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.0%	60.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $50	$70
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	8,163	11,092
Total number of admissions given out	7,427	6,679
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,003	1,410
Yield rate	13.5%	21.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$55,774	$74,271
Average net price	$36,537	$48,230
Tuition	$39,264	$54,640
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,048 Meal plan: $6,964	Room/dormitory: $9,250 Meal plan: $7,030
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $20,225	98.0% Average amount $23,821
Students receiving federal student loan	68.0% Average amount $3,862	51.0% Average amount $5,212
Students taking out private loans	25.0% Average amount $21,353	39.0% Average amount $13,871

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,207 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%	5,224 Men 60.3% Women 39.7%
Graduate students	322 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%	2,006 Men 68.8% Women 31.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	85.3%	N/A
International students	0.8%	13.4%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,992	2,508
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Mississippi Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Hampshire	Connecticut New York New Hampshire New Jersey Rhode Island

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Architecture Legal Profession Education	Engineering Computer and Information Science Multidisciplinary Studies Business Mathematics and Statistics
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	70.3%	87.2%
Dropout rate	4.4%	12.2%
Transferred out	24.9%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,169 Year 2: $68,618 Year 3: $77,956 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,538 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $75,485 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,964 Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $72,394 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,912 Year 2: $62,154 Year 3: $68,684 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,141 Year 2: $51,607 Year 3: $67,010 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $48,000 Year 2: $53,219 Year 3: $63,422 Architecture (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,522 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $62,148 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,968 Year 2: $45,383 Year 3: $59,897 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,654 Year 2: $48,600 Year 3: $54,833 Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,588 Year 2: $39,369 Year 3: $54,118	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,634 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $127,598 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,509 Year 2: $96,405 Year 3: $113,831 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $86,601 Year 2: $95,207 Year 3: $109,222 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,114 Year 2: $97,959 Year 3: $101,375 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,644 Year 2: $79,598 Year 3: $91,716 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,311 Year 2: $78,814 Year 3: $91,318 Engineering, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $79,688 Year 3: $91,034 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,720 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $82,909 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,868 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $81,510 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,310 Year 2: $72,507 Year 3: $80,789

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Roger Williams University (RWU)?

WPI is renowned for its STEM-focused education, particularly in engineering, science, and technology. Its project-based curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving. RWU, on the other hand, offers a broader range of programs, including architecture, business, law, and the liberal arts, alongside its STEM offerings. RWU emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for diverse career paths.
How do the campus environments and locations differ between WPI and RWU?

WPI is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a mid-sized city with a growing tech and innovation sector. The campus is urban and integrated into the city, providing access to various cultural and professional opportunities. RWU is situated in Bristol, Rhode Island, a coastal town known for its historical charm and scenic beauty. The campus is more self-contained and offers a traditional New England college experience with waterfront views.
What is the approach to learning at WPI compared to RWU?

WPI's curriculum is centered around the WPI Plan, a project-based learning system where students complete significant projects throughout their undergraduate studies. This approach emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and applying knowledge to real-world challenges. RWU offers a more traditional academic structure with a mix of lectures, seminars, and experiential learning opportunities like internships and studio work. While RWU also values practical application, WPI's project-based focus is more deeply ingrained in its core curriculum.
How do the student bodies and campus cultures compare?

WPI's student body is predominantly focused on STEM fields, creating a strong academic and research-oriented culture. The campus is known for its collaborative environment and emphasis on innovation. RWU has a more diverse student body with interests spanning various disciplines. The campus culture is generally considered more well-rounded, with a balance of academics, social activities, and extracurricular involvement.
What are the typical class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios at WPI and RWU?

WPI generally has smaller class sizes, especially in upper-level courses, with a student-to-faculty ratio of around 13:1. This allows for more personalized attention and interaction with professors. RWU also maintains relatively small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 14:1. Both institutions prioritize creating a supportive learning environment where students can easily connect with their instructors.
What types of research opportunities are available at WPI and RWU?

WPI offers extensive research opportunities for undergraduates, particularly in STEM fields. Students can participate in faculty-led research projects, independent research, and the Major Qualifying Project (MQP), a capstone research experience. RWU also provides research opportunities, although they may be more focused on specific departments and faculty interests. Students can engage in research through independent studies, honors programs, and collaborations with faculty members.
How do the career services and internship opportunities differ between the two universities?

WPI's Career Development Center is highly focused on placing students in STEM-related internships and jobs. They have strong relationships with companies in the tech, engineering, and science industries. RWU's Career Investment, Development & Employer Relations (CIDER) office offers a broader range of career services, catering to students in various fields. They provide resources for internships, job searching, and career exploration across diverse industries.
What are the key differences in tuition and financial aid options between WPI and RWU?

WPI's tuition is generally higher than RWU's, reflecting its focus on specialized STEM programs and research opportunities. Both institutions offer various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The specific financial aid packages will vary based on individual student circumstances and academic merit. It's best to consult the financial aid offices of both universities for detailed information.
How do the graduate programs at WPI and RWU compare?

WPI offers a wide range of graduate programs primarily in STEM fields, building upon its strong undergraduate foundation. These programs are research-intensive and designed for students seeking advanced knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. RWU's graduate programs are more diverse, including offerings in architecture, law, business, and education. They cater to students seeking professional development and advanced degrees in a broader range of disciplines.
What are some notable alumni or areas where graduates from WPI and RWU tend to excel?

WPI alumni have made significant contributions to engineering, technology, and science, often becoming leaders in innovation and research. RWU alumni have excelled in diverse fields such as architecture, law, business, and the arts, often demonstrating strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The specific career paths of graduates reflect the distinct academic focuses and strengths of each institution.

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