FINANCING Y O U R
First-Year Student Budget, 2010–2011 $38,200 Tuition and Fees 6,750 Typical Room 4,790 Typical Meal Plan 1,000 Books and Supplies 1,000 Personal Expenses $52,240 TOTAL
Merit (Academic) Scholarships
Each year the WPI Office of Admissions offers academic scholarships to applicants for freshman admission. Consideration for these awards is highly competitive. All accepted students are automatically considered (there is no separate application) and financial need has no bearing. Award amounts vary— up to full tuition—and are renewable each year if the student remains in good academic standing. Students are notified of scholarships when they are accepted to WPI, or shortly thereafter. Valedictorians and salutatorians are guaranteed a merit scholarship of $17,000. International Scholarships
WPI has limited funds available for international students; only a small number of these scholarships are given each year. Most awards range from $5,000 to $25,000; no international scholarship covers full tuition. These awards are renewed each year, provided the student remains in good academic standing. Families with the financial resources 16
to fund the entire cost of attendance should not apply for financial aid. International scholarships are based on the student’s financial need, academic profile, and any special talents or experiences he or she will bring to WPI. Families should expect to contribute a minimum of $14,000, plus travel expenses, to the total annual cost of attendance at WPI. Most family contributions are higher due to limited financial assistance for international candidates. It is possible to receive both merit and international scholarships; however, WPI offers very few combined awards. (Please note that combined awards are limited to the cost of tuition.) To apply for an international scholarship, students must complete the Foreign Students Financial Aid Application, available at admissions. wpi.edu/International/costs.html. The deadline for this application is March 1. Working on Campus
WPI allows international students to work part time on campus. Positions are available in a variety of offices and services. The application process for many positions is competitive, and new students are encouraged to apply directly upon arrival. New positions are listed on the WPI Human Resources Web site throughout the year. While these positions can help students with their expenses, international students are limited in the hours per week they can work. Students typically earn $1,500 to $2,500 in an academic year.
E D U C A T I O N
Visiting Campus
Admissions Office
admissions.wpi.edu
We offer a variety of visit options for you and your family. Options include open houses, group information sessions, campus tours, and personal interviews. Please contact the Office of Admissions to arrange your visit to WPI.
Edward J. Connor Director of Admissions
All interested students are encouraged to learn more about WPI via the Web. Some topics and offices that may be of particular interest to international students are listed here with specific Web addresses.
Loan Programs
Accreditation
There are several loan options available to international students through private education lenders. In most cases, the lender requires a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-applicant and a processed I-20 form from the student. WPI students often work with Citibank or SallieMae to pre-approve their loans prior to the student obtaining the I-20 form. The pre-approval can then be used to obtain the I-20. Not all lenders offer this service. If you choose a different lender, it is best to contact the lender first to determine their process prior to applying for the loan. For more information, visit citiassist.com or salliemae.com/ international.
WPI is accredited as an institution by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition, six majors at WPI also carry the professional accreditation of the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET): chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, and mechanical engineering. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and its programs are approved by the American Chemical Society. The computer science program is accredited by the Computing Sciences Accreditation Commission of ABET. The bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business offered by the Department of Management are accredited by AACSB International (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
Payment/Installment Options
WPI offers an option for families to pay the cost of attendance in installments. In conjunction with Tuition Management Services, an interest-free plan is offered. It allows families to make 12 payments to cover the cost of attendance. Visit afford.com.
Karen Goudey Associate Director of Admissions Michelle Carrara Senior Assistant Director of Admissions and Coordinator of International Admissions Tel 508-831-5286 Fax 508-831-5875 Email intl_admissions@wpi.edu
ESL PROGRAM
Billy D. McGowan Director of ESL Program Tel 508-831-6033
Acceptable International Exams
admissions.wpi.edu/International Admissions Standards and Procedures
admissions.wpi.edu/International English as a Second Language Program
wpi.edu/+ESL Global Perspective Program
wpi.edu/+IGSD Graduate Admissions Standards
grad.wpi.edu
Fax 508-831-6032
International Student Council
Email esl@wpi.edu
wpi.edu/~isc International Students and Scholars Office
I N T E R N AT I O N A L STUDENT SERVICES
wpi.edu/+iss
Tom Hartvig Thomsen Director of International Students and Scholars
wpi.edu/+RSO
Tel 508-831-6030
Residential Services Office
Student Activities Office
wpi.edu/+SAO
Fax 508-831-6032
WPI Certification of Finances Document
Email hartvig@wpi.edu
admissions.wpi.edu/International/costs.html admissions.wpi.edu/facebook twitter.com/wpiadmissions
Other Options
WPI also offers Cooperative Education and Summer Internship options. For details on these programs, please refer to page 11. For updated links and information on other educational financing from external sources, visit admissions. wpi.edu/International/costs.html.
“At WPI, you work to solve problems that will prepare you for the outside world and real-life issues. The academic programs show you what your career will be like, long before the day you arrive at your first job.” Ilan Shomorony [ Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ] High School: Escola Israelita Brasileira Eliezer Max Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering; minor in Math Activities: Math Honor Society; Soccer Club; Tennis Club; Member of Hillel
Worcester Polytechnic Institute 100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609-2280 USA Office of Admissions Bartlett Center 508-831-5286 admissions@wpi.edu admissions.wpi.edu