At $38,920/yr net price, University of Puget Sound graduates earn $69,594/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $35,594/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $38,920 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $155,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,594/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$35,594/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,409/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,663/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,336/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,880/yr |
| $110,001+ | $45,996/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,769 | $119,487 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $64,493 | $91,387 |
| Education, General. | Master | $54,331 | $39,792 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,789 | $26,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $25,500 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $25,000 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
67.9% of students at University of Puget Sound graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Puget Sound delivers mixed financial returns, with strong earning potential in specific programs but concerning debt levels that undermine overall value. Your financial outcome depends heavily on your major choice and career path.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy graduates earn solid salaries in the $64,000 to $74,000 range, but these programs saddle you with crushing debt loads exceeding $90,000. Even with strong earnings, you'll struggle under monthly payments that could reach $1,000 or more. Education majors fare better with more manageable debt around $40,000, though lower starting salaries mean longer payback periods.
Business graduates face the weakest financial proposition, earning just $41,789 annually while carrying $26,000 in debt. This combination puts you at significant risk of financial strain early in your career. Liberal arts majors without clear career paths should approach this school with extreme caution given the high costs.
The school's 67% graduation rate creates additional risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying positions. The 80% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic or financial demands.
You should consider Puget Sound only if you're committed to physical therapy, occupational therapy, or teaching, and have family financial support to minimize borrowing. Students planning graduate school should factor in additional debt on top of undergraduate loans. If you need substantial financial aid, look elsewhere since only 17% of students receive assistance, indicating limited institutional support for middle and lower-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Puget Sound worth the cost?
University of Puget Sound graduates earn $69,594 ten years after graduation, which barely justifies the $38,920 annual net price. With a 68% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt, the financial return is weak compared to similar private colleges.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Puget Sound?
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions leads with $73,769 average earnings, followed by another rehab program at $64,493. Business majors earn just $41,789, well below the school average.
How much debt do University of Puget Sound graduates have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable given typical graduate earnings of around $70,000. However, one-third of students don't graduate, making the debt risk significant for those who leave without a degree.
Does University of Puget Sound have good financial aid?
With a net price of $38,920 from a sticker price likely over $60,000, financial aid reduces costs significantly. Still, the final price remains high for the career outcomes most students can expect.