Worcester Polytechnic Institute ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Worcester Polytechnic Institute costs about $236,280 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $85,038 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.7 years (20-year ROI: 324%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$236,280
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$50,038/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
324%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) graduates earn a median salary of $85,022. The median debt for WPI graduates is $27,000. The cost of tuition is $59,070. Fifty percent of students receive financial aid.
Five years after graduation, the median salary is $85,038. Ten years after graduation, the median salary increases to $103,470.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$59,070
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$85,038
Graduation Rate
89%
Receive Financial Aid
51%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $99,480 | 446% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $127,459 | 683% |
| Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $88,871 | 356% |
| Chemical Engineering | $89,036 | 357% |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $83,465 | 310% |
| Civil Engineering | $85,859 | 330% |
| Systems Engineering | $118,044 | 603% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $148,653 | 862% |
| Biology, General | $71,939 | 213% |
| Industrial Engineering | $92,896 | 390% |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | $89,485 | 361% |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $0 | N/A |
| Engineering, Other | $108,120 | 519% |
Peer Comparison
324%
20yr ROI
286%
20yr ROI
275%
20yr ROI
286%
20yr ROI
349%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.