Colorado College vs. University of Puget Sound

Comparable Facts

Compare Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO with University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colorado College is larger than University of Puget Sound based on total student enrollment (2,056 students vs. 1,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado College is located in Colorado Springs, CO (Large City setting); University of Puget Sound is in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Colorado College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Puget Sound is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado College 9:1; University of Puget Sound 10:1.

Colorado College vs. University of Puget Sound Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colorado College or University of Puget Sound? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Colorado College than University of Puget Sound ($36,123 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colorado College are 2.9% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($16,020 vs. $16,498).
• Colorado College is 12.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Puget Sound (about $7,836 more per year; $70,734.00 vs. $62,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at Colorado College than at University of Puget Sound (about $7,836 more per year; $70,734.00 vs. $62,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Puget Sound than at Colorado College (99% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colorado College students is 44.5% larger than aid received by University of Puget Sound students ($50,834 vs. $35,179).

Colorado College vs. University of Puget Sound Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colorado College or University of Puget Sound? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Puget Sound and Colorado College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colorado College (1350) is 70 points higher than at University of Puget Sound (1280).
• Incoming Colorado College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 29 at University of Puget Sound).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado College 1230/1460; University of Puget Sound 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado College 29/33; University of Puget Sound 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colorado College - Test optional; University of Puget Sound - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colorado College Jan 15, 2027; University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colorado College students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at University of Puget Sound (3.56).
• University of Puget Sound has a higher acceptance rate (72.2%) than Colorado College (18.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.3% at Colorado College vs. 11.4% at University of Puget Sound.

Colorado College vs. University of Puget Sound Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colorado College and University of Puget Sound? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Colorado College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than University of Puget Sound's (73%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Colorado College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colorado College graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Colorado College graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Colorado College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Puget Sound students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 84%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.