University of Puget Sound
About University of Puget Sound
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
University of Puget Sound is a private liberal arts university in Tacoma, Washington. It offers programs in political science, business, psychology, and computer science, with a Pacific Northwest campus near Mount Rainier and Puget Sound.
Founded
1888
Location
Tacoma, Washington
Students
1,864
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
72.3%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
68%
Near national average
Tuition
$62,898
Per year
Avg Net Price
$38,394
After financial aid
SAT Average
1296
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$69,594
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
72.3 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
University of Puget Sound accepts 72.3% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1296/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
68% complete their degree within six years
Retention
84%
4-Year Grad
67%
6-Year Grad
74%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
74.8%
$/Student
$23.4K
Class Size
Small
67% graduate in 4 years, and 84% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$62,898
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,498
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$78,378
After Financial Aid
$38,394
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$23,643
Receive Grants
17.3%
Take Loans
43.1%
The total cost of attendance runs about $78,378/yr, including $16,498 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $38,394.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Puget Sound fund their education.
While in School
17.3%
Get Grants
Free money
43.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$90,104
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $70K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Puget Sound.
Gender
56.3%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,594
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
270
Graduates
12.3%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
2.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
1,594
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Puget Sound fields 12 varsity teams with 494 student athletes, about 31% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Northwest
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
494
31% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
297
Men
197
Women
9
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Puget Soundearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$69,594
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49K
68 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$31K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$26K
43 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$30K
37 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$23K
26 grads
1yr Earnings
Biological and Physical Sciences
$56K
25 grads
4yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $47K at six years, $51K at eight, and $70K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Puget Sound
What is the acceptance rate at University of Puget Sound?▾
How much does University of Puget Sound cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Puget Sound?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.