University of Puget Sound
University of Puget Sound — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Puget Sound at a Glance
The University of Puget Sound is a private liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1888. The institution offers a variety of undergraduate degrees as well as five graduate programs in counseling, education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and public health.
1888
138 years old
$500M
$499.9 million (2025)
2,023
1,712 undergrad · 220 grad
206
97 acres
Identity
Is University of Puget Sound Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, University of Puget Sound is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $69,594 — 29% above average — while paying $38,394/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Puget Sound has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Puget Sound compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #69 of 87 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #2 | Ohio Northern University | 62 | $24,478 | $80,928 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #6 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #69 | University of Puget Sound | 31 | $38,394 | $69,594 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Puget Sound's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in WA.
Best Programs at University of Puget Sound
The highest-earning program at University of Puget Sound is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $36,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $19,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from University of Puget Sound earns $36,200, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $19,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $38,394/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,200 | $36,200 | $25,000 |
| Biology, General | $31,500 | $31,500 | $27,000 |
| Mathematics | $31,500 | $31,500 | $26,949 |
| Economics | $30,500 | $30,500 | $27,000 |
| Computer Science | $29,800 | $29,800 | $25,327 |
| Psychology, General | $29,800 | $29,800 | $23,667 |
| Political Science and Government | $29,000 | $29,000 | $27,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $24,800 | $24,800 | N/A |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $24,700 | $24,700 | $23,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $19,800 | $19,800 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in WA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Tacoma, WA
- Student Body
- 1,594 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $38,394
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $69,594
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000