Established in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic Institute was founded to teach science and engineering to their incoming students. As the years have passed, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute have added more programs to their original two, and they are technology, business, social sciences, and humanities/arts.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute strives to satisfy even college graduates by offering these programs in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Composed of 14 different departments, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute continues to fulfill its goal by teaching the students the best education that they can get.
For college graduates, Worcester Polytechnic Institute has provided research programs to challenge you to the next level, and, to the student’s dismay, the quality education comes with a hefty price. Because of the financial burden, Worcester Polytechnic Institute has provided scholarships that have some great values.
Types of Scholarships Offered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Scholarships and grants are the main options of financial aid for many students since the money does not have to be repaid. However, scholarships and grants have renewal requirements and sometimes service requirements for the scholarship recipient, so make sure, if you are interested, to check the guidelines by visiting the scholarship homepage.
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
As its name states, these scholarships are based on merit, which can be academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service, and more; and most merit-based scholarships are given based on the admissions application to Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
A. WPI FIRST Scholarships
FIRST is an abbreviation designated to For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, and it is a non-profit company that wants to make knowledge of science, math, engineering, and technology financially affordable to incoming students.
There are different levels of FIRST Scholarships, but the main point is that they are full-ride scholarships. To be considered for the WPI Design Innovation Scholarship, the application must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a Team Participant of FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge*
- Applied for WPI Admissions by the Required Deadline
- Applied for FIRST Scholarships by the Required Deadline
- Have a Nomination Letter from the Participating Team**
*Even though you were a team member, applicants are encouraged to pursue (not required) engineering, science, or business-related fields.
**In addition to the nomination letter, there are specific requirements for each scholarship, so make sure to check the special requirement by clicking on the link down below.
Scholarship Value: Full Tuition
For further information, visit WPI FIRST Scholarship.
In addition to WPI FIRST Scholarship, Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a variety of merit-based scholarships that are available for incoming students. Even the values might not be reaching full-tuition, make sure to apply for as many scholarships as you can.
For more information, view WPI Merit-Based Scholarships.
2. Need-Based Scholarships
Instead of relying solely on merit, need-based scholarships are based on demonstrated financial need. In order for a student to demonstrate his financial need, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute requires the filing of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CSS Profile (Collegeboard).
A. WPI Great Minds Scholars Program
This is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and it is also a full-ride scholarship that contains very selective eligibility requirements. As you will see in the later section of this post, federal grants are available to students with demonstrated financial aid.
But, receiving the federal grants are not enough to cover the whole cost of college fees, and, to help those students even further, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute has stepped up to the challenge by offering the Great Minds Scholars Program
To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Be a High School Senior in One of the Following Schools
- Claremont Academy
- Burncoat High School
- Doherty Memorial High School
- North High School
- South High Community School
- University Park Campus School
- Worcester Technical High School
- Be a Pell-Grant Eligible Student
- Applied to WPI Admissions by the Required Deadline
- Fill Out FAFSA and CSS Profile by the Required Deadline
Scholarship Value: Full Tuition + Mandatory Fees + Living Stipend*
*The living stipend is only awarded if the scholarship recipient chooses on-campus housing instead of living off-campus.
Even though it is based on financial need, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute will consider your merits such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and more.
For further information, visit WPI Great Minds Scholars Program.
The above scholarship was in the list for WPI merit-based scholarship, but, because of its reliance on financial need, I have decided to put the Great Minds Scholars Program to the need-based scholarship section. Similarly, the application process for other WPI Need-Based Scholarships requires FAFSA and CSS Profile.
To view the Need-Based Scholarships, view WPI Need-Based.
3. External Scholarships
On top of scholarships offered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the WPI has listed additional scholarship opportunities that might be available to incoming students. Some scholarships involve reduced tuition, and ROTC scholarships guarantee full scholarships due to the eligibility requirements.
For further information, visit WPI Additional Scholarship Opportunities.
4. Federal and State Grants
Funded by the federal government and also by the state, grants are given to US Citizens or Permanent Resident that demonstrate financial need. To be considered for state grants, one of the eligibility requirements is to be a resident of a particular state. Check the requirements and the application deadlines if you are interested in applying for grants!
For more information, view WPI Federal Grants and WPI State Grants.
Conclusion: Additional Options!
In addition to scholarships, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers additional financial aid options to its prospective students. If you still think that scholarships/grants are not enough, then visit the Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s other types of financial aid.
For further information, visit WPI Types of Financial Aids.
If you have liked the WPI Scholarship Guide, please visit Authority Scholarships for more!
