72.25%

Acceptance Rate

$23,458

Avg.Financial Aid

003797

FAFSA Code

University of Puget Sound Report Card

Selectivity
72.3% acceptance rate
Academics
B+
68% graduation rate
Class Size
B-
11:1 student-faculty ratio
Value
D
$62,898 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

Key Facts: University of Puget Sound

Institution
University of Puget Sound
Type
Private not-for-profit

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified July 2026. Citable source →

University of Puget Sound

  • Type Control of Institution - Public/Private

    Private, Not-For-Profit

  • Acceptance Rate:

    N/A

  • Level

    4 Years

  • Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.

    Not applicable

  • Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.

    NWCCU

  • Website

    www.pugetsound.edu
  • Student Population Number of Students attending College

    1,594

  • On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?

    Yes

University of Puget Sound is the Pacific Northwest's secret weapon for serious liberal arts education—a genuinely intellectual small college in Tacoma, Washington that punches well above its size. You're getting close mentoring from accomplished faculty, top-tier research opportunities even as an undergrad, and a student body that actually cares about ideas. Think rigorous seminars, passionate discussions, and professors who write books you're reading in class.

The Puget Sound student is independent-minded, curious, and collaborative. You're not competing ruthlessly with peers; you're learning alongside them. The campus is beautiful, the city vibe is progressive, and Seattle is 45 minutes away when you need urban energy. Strong programs span sciences, humanities, business, and music; everyone leaves with real depth in their major.

Go to Puget Sound if you want elite liberal arts education in an accessible, collaborative setting. Graduates are competitive for grad school and competitive in job markets; employers know the degree means serious intellectual preparation. Underrated, genuinely excellent, and worth the tuition premium over state schools.

Location & Contact

Address

1500 N. Warner Street, Tacoma, Washington

Contact

Phone: (253) 879-3100
Find Your School

Rankings

The ranking of a particular university helps a student decide where to apply, which is always a tough decision. The rankings of eductional institutions by Forbes and US News are considered a reliable source by applicants and experts. The ranking of a university is a great way to gauge its performance on several factors like research excellence, the performance of its students after graduation, student experience, and academic success. However, University of Puget Sound doesn't feature in the list of top colleges, according to the latest rankings of these two publications.

Admissions

  • Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.

    15th Jan

  • Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.

    72.25%

  • SAT Range

    N/A

  • SAT/ACT

    Recommended

  • ACT Range

    N/A

  • High School GPA

    Required

  • Application Fee

    $60

  • Accept Common App

    Yes

The admission to University of Puget Sound is fairly easy and the students can make the most out of it. The varsity has 2 admission thresholds. To kickstart the admission process at UPS, the candidates have to fill an application form and submit a fee of $60. As a general rule, securing a good score in a standardised test like SAT or ACT improves an applicant’s chances of securing admission. However, at University of Puget Sound, the average SAT or ACT scores of students securing admission is not available. As expected, the candidates can complete the process either online or by visiting the school's office at 1500 N. Warner Street, Tacoma, Washington 98416. To gather more information, they can call them at (253) 879-3100.

Annual Cost to Attend

  • Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.

    $38,394

  • Average Annual Cost

    $62,898

Additional Costs:

  • Books And Supplies

    $65,616

  • Other Fees

    $266

  • Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.

    $12,540

  • Budget For Other Expenses

    $2,300

Total One Year Cost

$65,616

The next two things to keep in mind before applying to UPS are the tuition fees and the cost of living during the course tenure. The annual full-time cost of attendance comes out to be approximately $68,146. This cost includes the average annual tuition cost ($51,740), books and supplies ($1,000), room and boarding ($13,000), and budget for other expenses ($2,406). Students can also explore numerous financial aid options offered by the university.

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Doctor's degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

11:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

84%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

33%

Academic Calendar

Semester

Research Funding per Student

$517

Faculty Overview

50%

Male Professors

50%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Most Popular Majors:

  • Business Administration, Management...

    72 Graduates

  • Psychology, General

    67 Graduates

  • Biology, General

    41 Graduates

  • Economics

    32 Graduates

  • Political Science and Government

    32 Graduates

  • Communication and Media Studies

    29 Graduates

  • Health and Physical Education/Fitne...

    28 Graduates

  • Computer Science

    26 Graduates

  • Political Science and Government

    32 Graduates

  • Communication and Media Studies

    29 Graduates

  • Health and Physical Education/Fitne...

    28 Graduates

  • Computer Science

    26 Graduates

  • Biological and Physical Sciences

    25 Graduates

  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomica...

    23 Graduates

  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and...

    23 Graduates

  • Sociology and Anthropology

    23 Graduates

  • International Relations and Nationa...

    18 Graduates

  • Fine and Studio Arts

    17 Graduates

  • History

    17 Graduates

  • East Asian Languages, Literatures,...

    14 Graduates

  • English Language and Literature, Ge...

    14 Graduates

  • Chemistry

    13 Graduates

  • Mathematics

    13 Graduates

  • Science, Technology and Society

    13 Graduates

  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

    12 Graduates

  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosc...

    11 Graduates

  • Natural Resources Conservation and...

    11 Graduates

  • Physics

    11 Graduates

  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecu...

    10 Graduates

  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing St...

    9 Graduates

  • Music

    8 Graduates

  • Philosophy

    8 Graduates

  • Classics and Classical Languages, L...

    7 Graduates

  • Religion/Religious Studies

    7 Graduates

  • International Business

    5 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    4 Graduates

  • Sociology

    3 Graduates

  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, an...

    2 Graduates

  • Management Information Systems and...

    1 Graduates

Show More

Student Body

Undergraduate Students

2,364

Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

14%

Full-time / Part-time

99% / 1%

Students Gender

Male

40%

US National: 44%

Female

60%

US National: 56%

LGBTQIA STUDENT RESOURCE GROUPS

ON CAMPUS WOMEN'S CENTER

Race/Ethnicity

White

69%

Unknown

4%

Black

2%

Hispanic

9%

Two or more races

9%

Non Resident alien

0%

Asian

6%

American Indian/Alaska native

0%

Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

1%

Geographic Density

Geographic Density

High

0%

Unknown Location

73%

Out Of State

26%

In State

1%

Foreign

Economic Diversity

36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

Median Household Income

$72,356 per year

Campus Life

Housing

The students can reside on campus and 100% of Freshman Live On-Campus.

On Campus Housing Available

Yes

Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

No

Freshmen Live on Campus

100%

Undergrads in College Housing

66%

Averege Housing Cost

$6,820/year

Campus Food

The institution has several dining and meal plan options available to students and the average meal plan cost is around $6,270/year.

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Average Meal Plan Available

$6,270/year

Athletes

Division Sports Nickname

Loggers

School Colors

maroon and white

Varsity Athletics Association

NCAA

Varsity Athletics Conference Primary

Northwest Conference

Total Male Athletes

287

Total Female Athletes

248

Intramural Sports

6

Sports Club

16

Sports Team (Men)

Baseball

Basketball

Crew-Rowing

Football

Golf

Soccer

Swimming and Diving

Tennis

Track and Field

Sports Team (Women)

Basketball

Crew-Rowing

Golf

Lacrosse

Soccer

Softball

Swimming and Diving

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

Campus Security

Students who want to enjoy the campus and lodging life can benefit from the on-campus housing facility provided by UPS. A candidate will be needed to pay a normal expense of $13,000 per year for living on campus. The students at University of Puget Sound have several dining and meal plan options to choose from. Moreover, the average meal plan costs around $6,270 per year. The number of female and male students at the university are 41% and 59%, respectively.

24-Hour Security Patrol

Campus Emergency Phones

24-Hour Escort Safety rides

Mobile Campus Emergency Alert

After Graduation

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

$36,400/year

Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

$52,700/year

Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

$20,750 - $27,000

Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

$215 - $280

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Show data for students who

and started their studies

Out of 7,811 students

30% Graduated

10% Still Enrolled

15% Transfer

1% Withdraw

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

100%

Average Aid Per Year

$23,458

Students Receiving Federal Grants

20%

Average Aid Per Year

$5,545

Students Receiving State Aid

5%

Average Aid Per Year

$9,642

Students Receiving Institutional Grants

99%

Average Aid Per Year

$21,893

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Income

Average Amount

< $30K

$35,789

$30K - $48K

$36,937

$48K - $75K

$29,277

$75K - $110K

$27,267

> $110K

$21,781

Total Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$33,608,421

Total Non-Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$19,873,418

As mentioned, if one finds the fees and cost of living at UPS to be on the higher side, the financial aid department of the varsity would be of huge assistance. They can assist students with scholarships, grants, and student loans as well. The average financial aid at University of Puget Sound is around $24,493 and the federal grant is $5,721. The university provides financial assistance in the form of state-level aid worth $8,776 and institutional aid worth $24,493. The need-based scholarships awarded to students admitted to University of Puget Sound amount to $33,608,421 per annum. Meanwhile, the total non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded in a year total $19,873,418.

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Puget Sound

How hard is it to get into University of Puget Sound?

University of Puget Sound is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 72.3%. Strong applicants typically have above-average test scores, a rigorous course load, and compelling extracurricular activities.

How much does University of Puget Sound cost?

Tuition at University of Puget Sound is approximately $62,898 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

How many students attend University of Puget Sound?

University of Puget Sound enrolls approximately 1,594 students across its programs.

What is the graduation rate at University of Puget Sound?

The graduation rate at University of Puget Sound is 68%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Puget Sound?

The student-faculty ratio at University of Puget Sound is 11:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for University of Puget Sound?

University of Puget Sound typically admits students with SAT scores in the range of 610-710 (Reading) and 560-670 (Math) and ACT composite scores of 27-31. Check the admissions office for the most current testing requirements and whether test-optional policies apply.

Is University of Puget Sound a public or private university?

University of Puget Sound is a private not-for-profit institution.

When is the application deadline for University of Puget Sound?

Application deadlines at University of Puget Sound vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

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