WPI vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Comparable Facts

Compare Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Harrisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is larger than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology based on total student enrollment (7,584 students vs. 3,650 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is in Harrisburg, PA (Small City setting).
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Worcester Polytechnic Institute 13:1; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 18:1.

WPI vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WPI or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology than WPI ($15,984 vs. $47,372).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology are 40% lower than at Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($11,040 vs. $18,386).
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute is 149.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (about $36,565 more per year; $60,965.00 vs. $24,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 149.9% higher at WPI than at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (about $36,565 more per year; $60,965.00 vs. $24,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester Polytechnic Institute than at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Worcester Polytechnic Institute students is 60.1% larger than aid received by Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students ($31,545 vs. $19,706).

WPI vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WPI or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and WPI.

• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WPI - Test-free; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WPI Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WPI students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (3.42).
• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than WPI (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at WPI vs. 9.6% at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

WPI vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WPI and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's (9%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than WPI graduates ($26,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WPI graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More WPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 43%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.