University of Puget Sound vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle Pacific University is larger than University of Puget Sound based on total student enrollment (2,261 students vs. 1,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Puget Sound is located in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• University of Puget Sound is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Puget Sound 10:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

University of Puget Sound vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Puget Sound or SPU? 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 Seattle Pacific University than University of Puget Sound ($25,232 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle Pacific University are 0% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($16,491 vs. $16,498).
• University of Puget Sound is 55.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $22,491 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.7% higher at University of Puget Sound than at Seattle Pacific University (about $22,491 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Puget Sound as at Seattle Pacific University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Puget Sound students is 11.5% larger than aid received by Seattle Pacific University students ($35,179 vs. $31,558).

University of Puget Sound vs. SPU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Puget Sound or SPU? 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 SPU and University of Puget Sound.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Puget Sound (1280) is 90 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming University of Puget Sound students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Puget Sound 1170/1380; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Puget Sound 27/31; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Puget Sound - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027; SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Puget Sound students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at SPU (3.53).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at University of Puget Sound vs. 15.8% at SPU.

University of Puget Sound vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Puget Sound and SPU? 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).

• Seattle Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than University of Puget Sound's (73%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than SPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Pacific University graduates have a $1,397 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($25,603 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SPU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($264 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SPU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 82%)

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.