Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) vs Harvey Mudd College

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Harvey Mudd College (HMC) are two highly regarded institutions offering distinct educational experiences. WPI, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is known for its strong STEM programs and project-based learning approach, while HMC, situated in Claremont, California, emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and a rigorous liberal arts curriculum. With acceptance rates of 44% and 13%, respectively, both colleges are highly selective. WPI's student body is more diverse, with 30% international students compared to HMC's 12%. Engineering is the most popular major at WPI, while HMC students often pursue majors in science, engineering, and mathematics. Both institutions boast impressive graduation rates, with WPI at 88% and HMC at 94%. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two exceptional colleges.

	Harvey Mudd College	Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Overview
Location	Claremont, California	Worcester, Massachusetts
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	98.0%	94.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	10.0%	60.2%
Application fees	$70	$70
SAT range	1480 - 1560	N/A
ACT range	34 - 36	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	40.0%
Students submitting ACT score	20.0%
Total number of applicants	4,737	11,092
Total number of admissions given out	473	6,679
Admitted students who chose to enroll	225	1,410
Yield rate	47.6%	21.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$82,236	$74,271
Average net price	$33,838	$48,230
Tuition	$60,402	$54,640
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,592 Meal plan: $8,741	Room/dormitory: $9,250 Meal plan: $7,030
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	63.0% Average amount $32,188	98.0% Average amount $23,821
Students receiving federal student loan	38.0% Average amount $4,821	51.0% Average amount $5,212
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $9,820	39.0% Average amount $13,871

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	905 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%	5,224 Men 60.3% Women 39.7%
Graduate students	N/A	2,006 Men 68.8% Women 31.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	8.5%	13.4%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	926	2,508
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Connecticut New York New Hampshire New Jersey Rhode Island

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Multidisciplinary Studies Physical Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Computer and Information Science Multidisciplinary Studies Business Mathematics and Statistics
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	94.4%	87.2%
Dropout rate	0.5%	12.2%
Transferred out	4.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Mathematics and Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $118,973 Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $166,134 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $123,339 Year 2: $142,581 Year 3: $159,657 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,948 Year 2: $81,997 Year 3: $90,517	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,634 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $127,598 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,509 Year 2: $96,405 Year 3: $113,831 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $86,601 Year 2: $95,207 Year 3: $109,222 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,114 Year 2: $97,959 Year 3: $101,375 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,644 Year 2: $79,598 Year 3: $91,716 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,311 Year 2: $78,814 Year 3: $91,318 Engineering, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $79,688 Year 3: $91,034 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,720 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $82,909 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,868 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $81,510 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,310 Year 2: $72,507 Year 3: $80,789

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Harvey Mudd College?

WPI emphasizes a project-based curriculum across engineering, science, and management, with a strong focus on real-world problem-solving. Harvey Mudd, on the other hand, is a liberal arts college primarily focused on science, engineering, and mathematics, aiming to provide a broad education alongside deep technical expertise.
How do the campus cultures differ between WPI and Harvey Mudd?

WPI's campus culture is known for its collaborative and hands-on approach, driven by the project-based curriculum. Students often work in teams on projects that address real-world challenges. Harvey Mudd's culture is characterized by its rigorous academics, close-knit community, and emphasis on collaboration and support among students, often described as intense but rewarding.
What is the size difference between WPI and Harvey Mudd?

WPI is significantly larger than Harvey Mudd. WPI has a larger undergraduate and graduate student population, offering a wider range of programs and research opportunities. Harvey Mudd is a smaller, more intimate college, allowing for smaller class sizes and closer interaction with faculty.
How do the locations of WPI and Harvey Mudd impact student life?

WPI is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a mid-sized city with a growing tech scene and access to major metropolitan areas like Boston. Harvey Mudd is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium in Claremont, California, a suburban environment near Los Angeles, offering access to a vibrant cultural scene and numerous outdoor activities.
What are the key differences in the curriculum structure at WPI and Harvey Mudd?

WPI's curriculum is centered around the WPI Plan, which emphasizes project-based learning through the Major Qualifying Project (MQP) and Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP). Harvey Mudd's curriculum includes a common core curriculum covering a broad range of subjects in the first two years, followed by specialized coursework in the student's chosen major.
How do WPI and Harvey Mudd compare in terms of research opportunities?

Both WPI and Harvey Mudd offer significant research opportunities for undergraduates. WPI's project-based curriculum naturally lends itself to research, with many students participating in faculty-led research projects. Harvey Mudd also provides ample research opportunities, often through collaborations with other Claremont Colleges and external organizations.
What types of students thrive at WPI versus Harvey Mudd?

WPI is a good fit for students who are hands-on learners, enjoy collaborative projects, and are interested in applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems. Harvey Mudd is well-suited for students who are passionate about science, engineering, and mathematics, thrive in a rigorous academic environment, and value a close-knit community.
How do the career outcomes differ for graduates of WPI and Harvey Mudd?

Graduates from both WPI and Harvey Mudd are highly sought after by employers in STEM fields. WPI graduates often find careers in engineering, technology, and management, with a strong emphasis on practical application. Harvey Mudd graduates pursue careers in research, development, and leadership roles in science, engineering, and mathematics, often with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.
What is the role of humanities and social sciences at WPI and Harvey Mudd?

While both institutions are STEM-focused, they recognize the importance of humanities and social sciences. At WPI, the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) often involves addressing societal issues related to technology. Harvey Mudd has a strong emphasis on a broad liberal arts education, requiring students to take courses in humanities, social sciences, and the arts as part of their core curriculum.
How do WPI and Harvey Mudd approach student support and advising?

Both WPI and Harvey Mudd offer comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources. Harvey Mudd is known for its strong emphasis on student well-being and a supportive community. WPI provides advising through faculty and staff, with resources tailored to the project-based curriculum.
What are the key differences in the application process for WPI and Harvey Mudd?

Both WPI and Harvey Mudd require a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though policies may vary), and compelling essays. Harvey Mudd places a strong emphasis on demonstrated passion for STEM and a commitment to the college's values. WPI looks for students who are motivated, collaborative, and eager to engage in project-based learning.
How do WPI and Harvey Mudd compare in terms of diversity and inclusion?

Both WPI and Harvey Mudd are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive communities. They offer various programs and initiatives to support students from underrepresented backgrounds. Specific demographics and initiatives may vary, so it's best to consult their respective websites for the most up-to-date information.

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