University of Puget Sound vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle University is larger than University of Puget Sound based on total student enrollment (7,189 students vs. 1,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Puget Sound vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Puget Sound or Seattle U? 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 Seattle University than University of Puget Sound ($36,948 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 4.8% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($15,702 vs. $16,498).
• University of Puget Sound is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $6,177 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.9% higher at University of Puget Sound than at Seattle University (about $6,177 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at University of Puget Sound (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 0.5% larger than aid received by University of Puget Sound students ($35,351 vs. $35,179).

University of Puget Sound vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle University (1320) is 40 points higher than at University of Puget Sound (1280).
• Incoming University of Puget Sound students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Puget Sound 1170/1380; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Puget Sound 27/31; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Puget Sound - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Seattle U students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at University of Puget Sound (3.56).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at University of Puget Sound vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

University of Puget Sound vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Puget Sound and Seattle U? 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 Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Seattle University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than University of Puget Sound graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,400 vs. $57,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 75%)

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.