University of Puget Sound vs. UW-Seattle

Comparable Facts

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

University of Washington Seattle Campus is larger than University of Puget Sound based on total student enrollment (56,997 students vs. 1,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Puget Sound is located in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting); University of Washington Seattle Campus is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• University of Puget Sound is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Washington Seattle Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Puget Sound 10:1; University of Washington Seattle Campus 20:1.

University of Puget Sound vs. UW-Seattle Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Puget Sound or UW-Seattle? 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 University of Washington Seattle Campus than University of Puget Sound ($11,784 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Puget Sound are 10.4% lower than at University of Washington Seattle Campus ($16,498 vs. $18,405).
• University of Puget Sound is 384.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW-Seattle (about $49,925 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $12,973.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.6% higher at University of Puget Sound than at University of Washington Seattle Campus (about $19,689 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $43,209.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Puget Sound than at University of Washington Seattle Campus (99% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Puget Sound students is 117.7% larger than aid received by University of Washington Seattle Campus students ($35,179 vs. $16,156).

University of Puget Sound vs. UW-Seattle Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Washington Seattle Campus (1330) is 50 points higher than at University of Puget Sound (1280).
• Incoming UW-Seattle students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at University of Puget Sound).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Puget Sound 1170/1380; University of Washington Seattle Campus 1200/1453.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Puget Sound 27/31; University of Washington Seattle Campus 27/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Puget Sound - Test optional; UW-Seattle - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027; UW-Seattle Nov 16, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UW-Seattle students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at University of Puget Sound (3.56).
• University of Puget Sound has a higher acceptance rate (72.2%) than UW-Seattle (39.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at University of Puget Sound vs. 26.6% at UW-Seattle.

University of Puget Sound vs. UW-Seattle Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Puget Sound and UW-Seattle? 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).

• University of Washington Seattle Campus's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than University of Puget Sound's (73%).
• Graduates from University of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than University of Puget Sound graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $57,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Washington Seattle Campus graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($15,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UW-Seattle graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($155 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UW-Seattle students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 76%)

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.