OSU vs. University of Puget Sound

Comparable Facts

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

Oregon State University is larger than University of Puget Sound based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 1,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, OR (Small City setting); University of Puget Sound is in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Oregon State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Puget Sound is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oregon State University 18:1; University of Puget Sound 10:1.

OSU vs. University of Puget Sound Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OSU 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 Oregon State University than University of Puget Sound ($22,467 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oregon State University are 0.7% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($16,386 vs. $16,498).
• University of Puget Sound is 336.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than OSU (about $48,498 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $14,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.7% higher at University of Puget Sound than at Oregon State University (about $24,708 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $38,190.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Puget Sound than at Oregon State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Puget Sound students is 213.3% larger than aid received by Oregon State University students ($35,179 vs. $11,230).

OSU vs. University of Puget Sound Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OSU 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 OSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Puget Sound (1280) is 10 points higher than at OSU (1270).
• Incoming University of Puget Sound students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at OSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 1140/1400; University of Puget Sound 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 24/31; University of Puget Sound 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); University of Puget Sound - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: OSU Feb 1, 2027; University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at University of Puget Sound (3.56).
• OSU has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at OSU vs. 11.4% at University of Puget Sound.

OSU vs. University of Puget Sound Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OSU 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 Oregon State University's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than OSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $53,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oregon State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, OSU graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OSU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 66%)

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.