Villanova University vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Villanova University is very selective with a 25.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Worcester Polytechnic Institute (58.5%). Graduates of Villanova University earn $1,208 more per year at the 10-year mark ($90,613 vs $89,405). For families earning $48k–$75k, Villanova University is more affordable at $28,580 net price vs $33,999.
Admissions & Outcomes
Villanova University has a higher yield rate (29.9%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Villanova University is more affordable at $24,907 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $53,419 vs $46,023.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Villanova University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (12%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Villanova University
- 1 Business/Managerial Economics$90,856
- 2 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$74,576
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$73,579
- 4 Computer Engineering$72,214
- 5 Management Information Systems and Services$71,947
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science$95,207
- 2 Industrial Engineering$76,460
- 3 Chemical Engineering$72,881
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$72,507
- 5 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering$71,947
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Villanova University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Communication and Media Studies
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Accounting and Related Services
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- 5 Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Villanova University
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$56,730
- Est. total cost/year$72,435
- School typePublic
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- International students15%
- Tuition (international)$53,100
- Est. total cost/year$70,096
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 15% international enrollment, Worcester Polytechnic Institute likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Villanova University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Villanova University is more selective with a 25.1% acceptance rate, compared to 58.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Villanova University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Villanova University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $90,613 compared to $89,405. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Villanova University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Villanova University has a lower net price at $28,580 per year vs $33,999. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Villanova University vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Villanova University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 92.2%, compared to 89.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Villanova University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has a larger international student population at 15% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Villanova University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
At Villanova University, Business/Managerial Economics graduates earn a median of $90,856 within two years. At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $95,207. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.