Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Ranked 18th for Best Return on Investment
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has been ranked 18th on the U.S. News & World Report list of “Colleges with the Best Return on Investment,” highlighting the lasting value of a WPI education. According to the publication, the estimated return on investment of a WPI education after 40 years is $3,408,000, with a return of $258,000 after 10 years.
WPI President Grace J. Wang expressed pride in the ranking, stating that the value of a WPI education goes beyond foundational knowledge and skills, emphasizing the development of new ideas and character that lead to a lifetime of changemaking and leadership.
The ranking was based on data from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, which calculates the return on investment at four-year colleges and universities. The metric compares the cost of attendance to a student’s potential future earnings, taking into account median earnings and net price specific to each institution.
In addition to long-term projections, immediate impacts of a WPI education were also highlighted. The undergraduate Class of 2023 reported an average salary of $80,440 within six months after graduation, surpassing the national average of $63,721.
The recognition from U.S. News & World Report aligns with feedback from WPI alumni, with 95% stating that their project-based learning experience at the university prepared them for their current careers. Projects are a key component of the WPI curriculum, teaching students important life skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and collaboration with external partners.
Overall, the ranking serves as further validation of the value of a WPI education and the impact it has on students’ personal and professional success.
