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 gives you a mixed financial picture. Median earnings of $69,594 ten years out sit comfortably above the debt you take on, and a $25,000 median debt load is manageable against those earnings. The problem is the sticker: at nearly $39,000 a year net, you pay real money to get there, and the return works only if you graduate and land well.
The early-career program numbers are the warning sign. Business Administration and Computer Science lead the bachelor's programs, yet both start around $41,000 a year. That is a modest first-year figure for a private college in the Seattle-Tacoma tech and business corridor, where computer science graduates elsewhere clear that number easily. The science tracks, biochemistry and cell biology, start lower still near $38,000 and $37,500, and those are fields where the payoff usually depends on graduate school you would pay for separately. If you take one of these degrees straight into the job market, the early return is thin relative to what you spent.
The financial risk here is graduation. A 67.9% grad rate means about a third of students leave without the degree that justifies the price, and an 80% retention rate shows some of that attrition starts after year one. Paying $39,000 a year and not finishing is the worst outcome.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $30,000 in income, you pay about $28,400. over $110,000, you pay nearly $46,000. If your family earns over $110,000, you carry close to the full sticker and should weigh that hard. Puget Sound fits you best if you are aiming at business or economics, plan to finish in four years, and qualify for the lower income tiers.
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.