About University of Puget Sound
Students face a steep $59,900 tuition, but the average net price drops to $38,920 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $69,594 ten years out, making the typical $25,000 debt load manageable with monthly payments of $265. The investment pays off for most students, with 93.5% finding employment after graduation.
The Loggers compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 460 total athletes, creating a strong campus community without athletic scholarships. Women make up 56.65% of students, while 71% come from out of state, bringing diverse perspectives to the Pacific Northwest campus. The 72.29% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's academic rigor, though the 80.45% retention rate suggests some students struggle to stay enrolled all four years.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 67.9%
- Retention Rate
- 80.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $69,594
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,769 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $64,493 |
| Education, General. | Master | $54,331 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,789 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and research interests by October. Students often collaborate with faculty on undergraduate research projects, particularly in the sciences and music programs. With 460 athletes competing across 19 Division III sports, the Loggers create a spirited but non-scholarship athletic culture. Weekend activities range from hiking Mount Rainier to exploring Seattle's music scene. The campus nickname "Loggers" reflects the region's timber heritage, and students embrace both Pacific Northwest outdoor culture and the intellectual rigor of a liberal arts education. Study abroad participation runs high among the predominantly out-of-state student body.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,635 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1888
Campus Safety (2023)
48 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–48°F
- July Avg
- 57°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.4%
- Women
- 56.7%
- White
- 67.4%
- Black
- 3.2%
- Hispanic
- 10.4%
- Asian
- 6.4%
- In-State Students
- 28.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.7%
Location
- Address
- Tacoma, Washington 98416
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $69,594
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,376
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 81.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Puget Sound?
University of Puget Sound accepts 82.66% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private liberal arts college. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1170-1390 on the SAT, reflecting the school's focus on well-rounded students rather than just top test scores.
How much does University of Puget Sound cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $38,920, lower than the full sticker price of $75,940 total cost of attendance. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $28,409, while those from higher-income families ($110K+) pay around $45,996 after aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Puget Sound?
With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and only 1,631 total students, classes at this liberal arts college are small and discussion-focused. The intimate academic environment supports the school's strong reputation for undergraduate research opportunities and personalized mentoring.
What do University of Puget Sound graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median of $69,594 ten years after graduation, with a strong 93.5% employment rate. The school's emphasis on liberal arts education and undergraduate research prepares students well for both immediate career success and graduate school.
Where do University of Puget Sound students live on campus?
The campus houses 1,635 students in residence halls, which is actually more than the current enrollment of 1,631. This Pacific Northwest campus in Tacoma provides a close-knit community feel where most students live on campus throughout their college experience.
Does University of Puget Sound have strong music programs?
The school is particularly known for its exceptional music programs, which have been a cornerstone since its founding in 1888. With 19 varsity sports and the nickname "Loggers" reflecting the Pacific Northwest heritage, students balance rigorous academics with diverse extracurricular opportunities including nationally recognized musical ensembles.
