Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA
WPI: Where theory and practice unite for a brighter future
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is not just a place to learn; it's a place to do. With a project-based curriculum at its core, WPI empowers students to tackle real-world problems from day one. This hands-on approach to education is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to not only succeed in your career but to make a tangible impact on the world.
A supportive community for every student
WPI is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) is a central hub for a wide array of programs and resources designed to support students from all backgrounds. From the Connections Pre-Orientation program that helps ease the transition to college to the First Generation Success Program, WPI provides a robust network of support to ensure your success. With a multitude of cultural and identity-based student organizations, you'll find your community and your voice on campus.
Academics in action
At WPI, you won't just be sitting in lectures. The University's distinctive project-based learning model means you'll be actively applying what you learn in the classroom to solve complex challenges. Whether you're working on a project in one of WPI's state-of-the-art facilities or collaborating with a team on a global assignment, you'll be gaining invaluable experience that sets you apart. This emphasis on practical application is a cornerstone of the WPI education and prepares you for a future of innovation and leadership.
A vibrant campus life
Life at WPI is more than just academics. It's about being part of a dynamic and engaging community. With over 200 student clubs and organizations, there's something for everyone. Whether your interests lie in robotics, sustainability, the arts, or community service, you'll find opportunities to connect with like-minded peers and pursue your passions. The campus is always buzzing with activity, from guest lectures and career fairs to cultural celebrations and athletic events.
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WPI is known for strong engineering and science programs with increasing focus on sustainable technologies. |
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Ranked in the top 5.1% of 20,000 worldwide universities | Center for World University Rankings, 2024 |
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Ranked #12 among the "Top Game Design Programs" for undergraduates | The Princeton Review, 2025 |
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Named a "Best Value College" | The Princeton Review, 2025 |
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Ranked #13 among private schools for "Best Career Placement" | The Princeton Review, 2025 |
Projects are at the heart of a WPI education, and our signature project-based approach to a STEM undergraduate education, known as the WPI Plan, is instrumental in preparing students for the future. Through a project-based education, students discover the value of learning by doing. They take the hypothetical and make it real, applying skills and concepts from the classroom to real problems, leading to real-world experience and impact. Each journey is distinctive, but regardless of the paths students follow, these hands-on learning experiences help them build confidence, leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. It’s not just what students learn, but how they learn, that proves invaluable for a lifetime—professionally and personally.
"Overall, my collective experiences with projects at WPI have revealed and prepared me for the challenges and rewards of real-life work in a powerful, firsthand way."
“Through project work, I have learned to look critically at problems I don’t necessarily have the answer to. I’ve also gotten better at communicating my ideas through both writing and speaking."
“The project-based curriculum has given me the opportunity to gain valuable experience solving real-life problems. Overall, I feel like I am part of a supportive community of people here at WPI who all have the same goal of changing the world."
“The way it changed my view of the world translates to multiple, different areas of my life. I look at my community as a much smaller piece of a larger world than I used to. I see diversity in a different way.”