VWC vs. University of Puget Sound

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach, VA 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 VWC based on total student enrollment (1,864 students vs. 1,853 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Wesleyan University is located in Virginia Beach, VA (Large City setting); University of Puget Sound is in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Virginia Wesleyan 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: Virginia Wesleyan University 15:1; University of Puget Sound 10:1.

VWC vs. University of Puget Sound Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VWC 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 Virginia Wesleyan University than University of Puget Sound ($21,267 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Wesleyan University are 27.7% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($11,930 vs. $16,498).
• University of Puget Sound is 67.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than VWC (about $25,398 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.7% higher at University of Puget Sound than at Virginia Wesleyan University (about $25,398 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Wesleyan University than at University of Puget Sound (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Puget Sound students is 17.6% larger than aid received by Virginia Wesleyan University students ($35,179 vs. $29,923).

VWC vs. University of Puget Sound Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VWC 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 VWC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Puget Sound (1280) is 30 points higher than at VWC (1250).
• Incoming University of Puget Sound students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at VWC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Wesleyan University 1140/1350; University of Puget Sound 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Wesleyan University 28/29; University of Puget Sound 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VWC - Test optional; University of Puget Sound - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Puget Sound students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at VWC (3.39).
• VWC has a higher acceptance rate (72.9%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.9% at VWC vs. 11.4% at University of Puget Sound.

VWC vs. University of Puget Sound Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VWC 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 Virginia Wesleyan University's (48%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $15,900 more per year than VWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Puget Sound and VWC graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, University of Puget Sound and VWC graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VWC students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 57%)

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.