WORCESTER, Mass. – Feb. 26, 2009 – Mindful of the economic stresses affecting many students and their families, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced that its undergraduate tuition will increase by just 2.9 percent for the 2009-10 academic year – the lowest percentage increase in almost 20 years. The WPI Board of Trustees approved the new tuition rate, which will be $36,890.
"These are challenging economic times for all families, businesses, and institutions," WPI President and CEO Dennis D. Berkey stated in a letter to parents, guardians, and students about the tuition increase. "WPI has taken great care to anticipate the impact of the economy and manage its finances with strict adherence to two principles. The first is to continue to invest in an exceptional educational experience for WPI students. The second is to manage all other costs conservatively to minimize increases for students and families."
WPI will offer programs to help families during the economic crisis. The university is also reducing operating costs in all areas, including implementing a "frost" on staff hiring, filling only the most urgently needed positions. In addition, President Berkey recently appointed a Presidential Commission on Efficiency and Effectiveness to recommend further improvements.
"Students and parents recognize the high return on investment that a WPI education represents in terms of outstanding starting salaries and career opportunities upon graduation," said Kristin R. Tichenor, WPI’s vice president for enrollment management. "Our goal is to work closely with families to ensure their students can continue to benefit from WPI’s outstanding faculty and innovative programs, despite the economic downturn."
