Northwest University vs. University of Puget Sound

Comparable Facts

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

University of Puget Sound is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (1,864 students vs. 1,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest University is located in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting); University of Puget Sound is in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Northwest 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: Northwest University 9:1; University of Puget Sound 10:1.

Northwest University vs. University of Puget Sound Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwest 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 Northwest University than University of Puget Sound ($24,251 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 32.2% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($11,180 vs. $16,498).
• University of Puget Sound is 74.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest University (about $26,863 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.5% higher at University of Puget Sound than at Northwest University (about $26,863 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest University than at University of Puget Sound (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Puget Sound students is 35.2% larger than aid received by Northwest University students ($35,179 vs. $26,017).

Northwest University vs. University of Puget Sound Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Puget Sound (1280) is 80 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest University 1040/1350; University of Puget Sound 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Puget Sound 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwest University - Test optional; University of Puget Sound - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwest University Aug 1, 2027; University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Puget Sound students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Northwest University (3.41).
• Northwest University has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.8% at Northwest University vs. 11.4% at University of Puget Sound.

Northwest University vs. University of Puget Sound Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwest 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).

• University of Puget Sound's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $16,200 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $5,468 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($21,532 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 62%)

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.