University of Puget Sound vs. Whitman College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Puget Sound is larger than Whitman College based on total student enrollment (1,864 students vs. 1,561 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Puget Sound is located in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting); Whitman College is in Walla Walla, WA (Remote Town setting).
• University of Puget Sound is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Puget Sound 10:1; Whitman College 10:1.

University of Puget Sound vs. Whitman College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Puget Sound or Whitman College? 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 Whitman College than University of Puget Sound ($37,633 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Whitman College are 8.6% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($15,080 vs. $16,498).
• Whitman College is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Puget Sound (about $1,152 more per year; $64,050.00 vs. $62,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Whitman College than at University of Puget Sound (about $1,152 more per year; $64,050.00 vs. $62,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Puget Sound than at Whitman College (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whitman College students is 15.1% larger than aid received by University of Puget Sound students ($40,489 vs. $35,179).

University of Puget Sound vs. Whitman College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Whitman College (1400) is 120 points higher than at University of Puget Sound (1280).
• Incoming Whitman 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: University of Puget Sound 1170/1380; Whitman College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Puget Sound 27/31; Whitman College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Puget Sound - Test optional; Whitman College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027; Whitman College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Whitman College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at University of Puget Sound (3.56).
• University of Puget Sound has a higher acceptance rate (72.2%) than Whitman College (38.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at University of Puget Sound vs. 14.1% at Whitman College.

University of Puget Sound vs. Whitman College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Whitman College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than University of Puget Sound's (73%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $700 more per year than Whitman College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $56,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Whitman College graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($17,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Whitman College graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($180 vs. $279).
• More Whitman College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Puget Sound students, three years after graduation. (93% 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.