Willamette University vs. University of Puget Sound

Comparable Facts

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

Willamette University is larger than University of Puget Sound based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Willamette University vs. University of Puget Sound Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University 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 Willamette University than University of Puget Sound ($29,421 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 2.1% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($16,150 vs. $16,498).
• University of Puget Sound is 23% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $11,742 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23% higher at University of Puget Sound than at Willamette University (about $11,742 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at University of Puget Sound (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 8.2% larger than aid received by University of Puget Sound students ($38,080 vs. $35,179).

Willamette University vs. University of Puget Sound Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Willamette University 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 Willamette University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 60 points higher than at University of Puget Sound (1280).
• Incoming Willamette University 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: Willamette University 1240/1440; University of Puget Sound 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Willamette University 28/33; University of Puget Sound 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; University of Puget Sound - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at University of Puget Sound (3.56).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 11.4% at University of Puget Sound.

Willamette University vs. University of Puget Sound Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University 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).

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than University of Puget Sound's (73%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 80%)

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.