Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) vs Wentworth Institute of Technology

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) are two esteemed institutions of higher learning located in the heart of Massachusetts, each offering a unique educational experience. WPI, known for its rigorous STEM programs, boasts an acceptance rate of 49%, while WIT, with its focus on applied sciences and engineering, has a slightly higher acceptance rate of 56%. Both universities have diverse student bodies, with international students comprising 13% of WPI's population and 10% of WIT's. While WPI's student body leans slightly more towards males (58%), WIT has a more balanced gender ratio with 52% male and 48% female students. When it comes to graduation rates, WPI excels with an impressive 88% of its students completing their degrees within six years, compared to WIT's 75% graduation rate. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive

	Wentworth Institute of Technology	Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Overview
Location	Boston, Massachusetts	Worcester, Massachusetts
Campus setting	City: 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	78.0%	94.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	89.5%	60.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	$70
SAT range	1140 - 1330	N/A
ACT range	25 - 30	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	22.0%
Students submitting ACT score	2.0%
Total number of applicants	5,441	11,092
Total number of admissions given out	4,872	6,679
Admitted students who chose to enroll	917	1,410
Yield rate	18.8%	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	$58,320	$74,271
Average net price	$32,430	$48,230
Tuition	$37,050	$54,640
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $12,120 Meal plan: $3,300	Room/dormitory: $9,250 Meal plan: $7,030
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $18,702	98.0% Average amount $23,821
Students receiving federal student loan	61.0% Average amount $5,250	51.0% Average amount $5,212
Students taking out private loans	15.0% Average amount $21,622	39.0% Average amount $13,871

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,958 Men 77.8% Women 22.2%	5,224 Men 60.3% Women 39.7%
Graduate students	205 Men 67.3% Women 32.7%	2,006 Men 68.8% Women 31.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	5.1%	13.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,146	2,508
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Mississippi New Hampshire Connecticut Maine New York	Connecticut New York New Hampshire New Jersey Rhode Island

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Architecture Visual & Performing Arts	Engineering Computer and Information Science Multidisciplinary Studies Business Mathematics and Statistics
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	71.8%	87.2%
Dropout rate	10.2%	12.2%
Transferred out	17.9%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,946 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $107,006 Construction Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,908 Year 2: $83,388 Year 3: $92,228 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,551 Year 2: $76,041 Year 3: $86,827 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,808 Year 2: $68,821 Year 3: $80,956 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,430 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $80,209 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,130 Year 2: $67,240 Year 3: $76,696 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,722 Year 2: $66,287 Year 3: $75,347 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,201 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $74,773 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,963 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $74,456 Electromechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,694 Year 2: $67,380 Year 3: $74,220	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 Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT)?

WPI is renowned for its project-based learning approach, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Its curriculum is designed to foster innovation and problem-solving through real-world projects. Wentworth, while also STEM-focused, places a stronger emphasis on applied learning and career readiness, with programs often incorporating co-op experiences and practical skills development in fields like engineering technology, architecture, and design.
How do the learning environments differ at WPI and Wentworth?

WPI's learning environment is characterized by its unique project-based curriculum, the WPI Plan, which involves interdisciplinary projects and a flexible academic calendar. This fosters a collaborative and research-oriented atmosphere. Wentworth's learning environment is more hands-on and career-focused, with smaller class sizes and a strong emphasis on practical application of knowledge through labs, studios, and co-op opportunities.
What types of degree programs are offered at WPI and Wentworth?

WPI offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs primarily in STEM fields, including engineering, computer science, mathematics, and science. They also have programs in business and humanities. Wentworth offers bachelor's and master's degrees with a focus on applied fields such as engineering technology, architecture, construction management, design, and computer science. Wentworth's programs are often more directly tied to specific industry needs.
How do the co-op and internship opportunities compare between WPI and Wentworth?

Both WPI and Wentworth offer co-op and internship opportunities. Wentworth has a long-standing tradition of mandatory co-op programs for many of its majors, integrating real-world work experience directly into the curriculum. WPI also provides ample internship and project-based opportunities, often through its project centers located around the world, allowing students to gain practical experience while addressing real-world problems.
What is the typical campus culture like at WPI and Wentworth?

WPI's campus culture is known for its strong sense of community, driven by its project-based learning and collaborative environment. It's a place where students are highly engaged in academics and extracurricular activities, with a focus on innovation and problem-solving. Wentworth's campus culture is more career-focused and practical, with a strong emphasis on professional development and networking. The smaller campus size fosters a close-knit community, and students are actively involved in clubs and organizations related to their fields of study.
How do the admission requirements and acceptance rates compare between WPI and Wentworth?

WPI is generally more selective than Wentworth. Both institutions consider academic performance, standardized test scores (though policies may vary), essays, and extracurricular activities. However, WPI typically looks for students with a strong aptitude for STEM and a demonstrated interest in project-based learning. Wentworth places a greater emphasis on practical skills and a clear career focus in applied fields.
What are the career prospects for graduates of WPI and Wentworth?

Graduates from both WPI and Wentworth enjoy strong career prospects due to their STEM-focused curricula and emphasis on practical experience. WPI graduates are well-prepared for research and development roles, as well as leadership positions in technology-driven industries. Wentworth graduates are highly sought after for their hands-on skills and industry-specific knowledge, making them well-prepared for entry-level positions and career advancement in their chosen fields.
How do the locations of WPI and Wentworth impact the student experience?

WPI is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a mid-sized city with a growing technology sector and a vibrant arts and culture scene. The location provides access to internships and research opportunities in the region. Wentworth is located in Boston, Massachusetts, a major hub for technology, innovation, and design. Its urban location provides students with unparalleled access to internships, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences.
What are the key similarities between WPI and Wentworth?

Both WPI and Wentworth are STEM-focused institutions that prioritize hands-on learning and career preparation. They both offer co-op and internship opportunities, and their graduates are highly sought after by employers in various industries. Both institutions also foster a strong sense of community and provide students with a supportive learning environment.
How does the tuition and financial aid compare between WPI and Wentworth?

Tuition costs at WPI and Wentworth are comparable, though they can vary slightly year to year. Both institutions offer financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students finance their education. The specific amount of aid awarded depends on individual financial need and academic merit. It's best to consult the financial aid offices of both institutions for the most up-to-date information and to understand the specific aid options available.

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