<p>
The IQP and MQP are what the student makes of it. To be honest, I don’t think the MQP is very different from the senior projects students do at other schools. However, everybody has to do it and there is the option to do a team project. The IQP is quite unique but again, it is only as good as what the student makes of it.</p>
<p>
Beyond visiting, I would suggest researching online the program that your S wants to study. WPI is generally very good for most kinds of engineering (except possibly Civil). The ECE department here is excellent. WPI is not quite as good for business, computer science, or chemistry.</p>
<p>
Yes, most kids graduate in four years. Some graduate in less time. Most people I know can’t afford five/six years of tuition. Students here don’t have to take too many irrelevant classes and academic advising is typically good. Some decide to go for grad school and stay for a fifth year but many such students are fully funded for their MS/Ph.D.</p>
<p>
WPI has an excellent reputation in the northeast and is an engineering target school. However, it is not very well known outside due out of NE to its size and its research output. </p>
<p>Also, I would suggesting not going into too much undergrad debt. WPI gives out a good deal of merit/need-based aid and if your son manages to get aid, it can be a great value. WPI is good but I would have considered other options if I had to go full pay. In my opinion, no school is worth $80k debt. It limits options for MBA, grad school, etc.</p>