Sleepless in Sturbridge

 100 DAYS OF CENTRAL MASS FEATURES WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, WPI, is located in the city of Worcester and was founded in 1865.  It is one of the country's earliest technological institutes and provides a unique approach to science and technology education.  WPI ranks very highly among other national, doctoral universities.  The campus is absolutely beautiful and centrally located in the city set on top of a secluded hilltop.  It is an 80-acre, traditional New England campus.  WPI is one of 13 colleges and universities throughout the city and is strategically located with good access to commuter rails that can take students into Boston in an hour.  Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs with focuses on science, technology, engineering, management and humanities & arts. 

Information from the WPI website:  http://www.wpi.edu

A highly regarded institution

WPI is ranked No. 62 among all national, doctoral universities by U.S. News & World Report; No. 1 for student/faculty interaction in the National Survey of Student Engagement; and No. 9 by The Princeton Review for "best career prospects" for graduates of our MBA program. And that's just the beginning of the recognition we've received from a large number of institutions and individuals for our high quality and unique approach to education.

A community of diverse interests

The WPI community is alive with activity. Students participate in nearly 200 extracurricular activities, including music, theatre, and Greek organizations, 20 varsity sports teams, and more than 30 club and intramural sports. There are also fun campus-wide annual events, including Homecoming, Winter Ball, and QuadFest.

 100 DAYS OF CENTRAL MASS FEATURES BECKER COLLEGE

Becker College has 2 campuses in the towns of Worcester and Leicester and originates back to 1784.  Becker College is a relatively small coeducational school offering 2 and 4 year programs.  The college is dedicated to helping students achieve success in growing intellectually, socially and personally. 

FACTS FROM THEIR WEBSITE:  http://www.becker.edu

Year Founded: 1784

Enrollment: 1,739, representing 18 states and 12 countries

Academic year: Two fifteen-week semesters

2008-09 Cost (per year):

     Tuition: $24,780 
     Room and Board: $9,760 

Financial aid: 100% of students who apply for financial aid receive some form of financial assistance

Campuses:

     Worcester: 31 buildings including 14 residence halls
     Leicester: 24 buildings including 7 residence halls

Student-faculty ratio: Eighteen to one

100 DAYS OF CENTRAL MASS FEATURES NICHOLS COLLEGE

Today we are featuring Nichols College located in Dudley, Massachusetts on the Connecticut state line.  Nichols College takes pride in the fact that 1 out of every 10 students goes on to become a CEO, 90% of the student body participates in on-campus groups and 95% of students that graduated in 2008 are currently employed in jobs that relate to their majors making a starting average salary of $40,000. 

The town of Dudley is a small college town centrally located in the state in Worcester County.  It covers approximately 22 square miles and has a population of about 11,055 people.  Dudley was incorporated in 1732.  It is known for it's reputable schools, poultry and dairy farms and modern manufacturing facilities.

More Facts about the Nichols College courtesy of their website:  http://www.nichols.edu

Student/Faculty Ratio:  20:1

Cost of 1 year tuition/meals/room:  $34,810

Percent of day students living on campus:  80%

Tuition per credit hour (undergrad):  $265/3 credit course = $795

Tuition per credit hour (grad):  $525/3 credit course = $1575

Annual financial aid awarded:  $19,412,338

Percent of students receiving financial aid:  93%

Worcester State College is a public institution of higher learning located in the heart of Central Mass.  The campus is set on 58 acres in the desirable west side of Worcester and was founded in 1874 as the Worcester Normal School.  In 1932, the name was changed to Worcester State Teachers College.  By 1963, the once teachers college had made the transition to one offering liberal arts and science studies, and therefore the word "Teacher" was dropped from the name. 

Worcester Magazine's Readers Poll voted Worcester State the "Best College in Worcester" the past 4 out of 6 years.  The Princeton Review designated the college as "America's Best Value College" in 07' and "Best Northeastern College" from 2005-2010.  At Worcester State College, the faculty and administrations is dedicated to offering a high level of education to both under-graduates and graduate students. 

Some Quick Facts About Worcester State College courtsey of their website: http://worcester.edu

Worcester State College 2008-2009

Student Profile

Fall Enrollment 2008:

Undergraduate (full-time): 3,377
Undergraduate (part-time): 1,266
Graduate (full-time): 103
Graduate (part-time): 632
Total Headcount: 5,378 

Student Characteristics:

Women (undergraduate): 59%
Men (undergraduate): 41%
Out-of-state: 4%
International (23 countries): 1.3%
ALANA* students: 14%
Residential students: 30%
Average age (undergraduate): 24
Average High School GPA: 3.06
Average SAT score: 1011

Cost of Attendance

Undergraduate tuition: $970
Undergraduate fees: $5,200
Room and board (avg.): $8,527 

Financial Aid (2007-2008)

Students receiving financial aid: 2,897
Average size of award: $7,666
Students w/ WSC scholarships: 1,026 

Faculty/Staff Profile

Full-time: 185
Part-time (day): 145
Part-time (adjunct): 82
Full-time with terminal degree: 140
Faculty to student ratio: 1:16
Average class size: 19
Staff: 282 

Academic Programs

Undergraduate majors: 24
Undergraduate minors: 29
Graduate programs: 20
Study Abroad  programs: 44 

Largest Major (1st major only)

Business Administration: 830
Psychology: 410
Criminal Justice: 322
Communication: 244
Nursing: 253 

Degrees Conferred (2007-2008)

Baccalaureates: 762
Post Bachelor's Certificates: 131
Master's: 183
Total Degrees Conferred: 1,076 

Student Life

Student Clubs & Organization: 42
Honor Societies: 15
Intercollegiate Sports: 10 women, 10 men

Alumni

Total Alumni: 31,728
Alumni living in Massachusetts: 20,887
Alumni living in Worc County: 16