Worcester Polytechnic Institute's published cost of attendance reaches $75,678 per year, including $59,070 in tuition, $18,072 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $43,273 after financial aid, representing savings of $32,405 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $78,679 |
| Tuition and Fees | $60,965 |
| Room and Board | $18,386 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$35,608 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $43,071 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $24,018 |
| $30–48k | $24,452 |
| $48–75k | $32,350 |
| $75–110k | $37,753 |
| $110k+ | $49,716 |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's published cost of attendance reaches $75,678 per year, including $59,070 in tuition, $18,072 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $43,273 after financial aid, representing savings of $32,405 from the sticker price. This net price exceeds the peer median of $27,143 by $16,130, reflecting the premium associated with specialized technical education and smaller class sizes typical of private engineering institutions.
The cost structure indicates that while WPI provides substantial financial aid, families should expect higher out-of-pocket costs compared to typical four-year institutions. Net prices range significantly by family income, from $23,870 for the lowest-income families to $51,567 for the highest-income tier, demonstrating progressive aid targeting that helps make technical education accessible across economic backgrounds. Students and families should budget for costs above typical college expenses while considering the exceptional earning potential that justifies higher educational investment.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute students graduate with median debt of $27,000, above the peer median of $24,181 by $2,819 but manageable relative to exceptional earning outcomes. Debt ranges from $17,500 at the 25th percentile to $30,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating relatively consistent borrowing patterns across the student body.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 represents favorable debt sustainability, with annual earnings of $103,470 providing substantial capacity for loan repayment. Parent PLUS debt reaches a median of $43,530 with monthly payments of $573, reflecting additional family investment in technical education.
The combination of moderate student debt levels and exceptional post-graduation earnings creates favorable conditions for debt repayment and long-term financial stability. Students should consider that while debt levels exceed peer institutions, the earnings advantage of $40,404 annually provides significant capacity to manage educational debt while building wealth over time.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute represents a strong educational investment despite higher costs, with graduates earning $22,408 beyond expectations and ranking at the 95.3rd percentile for earnings uplift nationally. Median earnings of $103,470 exceed peer institutions by $40,404 annually, providing substantial return on the additional educational investment.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 indicates manageable debt service relative to income, with strong capacity for loan repayment and wealth building. Net costs $16,130 above peer median are justified by earnings advantages that compound over entire careers.
Return index performance at the 98.2nd percentile—among the highest we track—reflects exceptional value creation relative to educational costs and debt levels. Students should evaluate the investment considering both upfront costs and long-term earning potential, with WPI delivering among the strongest returns on educational investment in higher education.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute enrolls 10.3% Pell-eligible students, below the national average but reflecting the specialized technical focus and academic preparation required for admission. The $32,405 gap between sticker price and average net price indicates substantial institutional financial aid commitment, with aid concentrated toward students with demonstrated financial need.
Net prices by income tier show progressive aid targeting, with lowest-income families paying $23,870 compared to $51,567 for highest-income families. This aid structure supports the enrollment of students from diverse economic backgrounds despite higher base costs, with financial assistance helping bridge the gap between technical education value and family resources.
The aid profile reflects institutional priorities around access while maintaining the resources necessary for high-quality engineering and technology education. Students should expect need-based aid evaluation that considers both family financial circumstances and the long-term earning potential associated with technical degrees from well-regarded institutions.
