Founded in 1888, University of Puget Sound combines the rigorous yet personal touch of a liberal arts education with the broad opportunities of a larger institution. Puget Sound students form a community of people who are driven, creative, interested in social change, and above all, passionate — not just about their major, but in their hobbies, clubs, intramural sports, volunteering, and making meaningful connections with fellow students and professors. Prepare to be challenged, supported, mentored, and forever changed by a transformative education and an alumni support system to last a lifetime!
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Mike Rottersman
Associate Director of Admission
Associate Director of Admission
Address
Office of Admission
1500 N. Warner St.
Tacoma, WA 98416-1062
1500 N. Warner St.
Tacoma, WA 98416-1062
Phone
253-879-3211
Email
admission@pugetsound.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Diversions Caf?
Glass gazebo Oppenheimer Caf?
Collins Memorial Library rocking chairs
Science Center atrium
Theme House Row
Other highlights include 97-acre Tudor Gothic campus with views of Mt. Rainier, Commencement Walk, athletic facilities, student center, arboretum, and observatory.
Glass gazebo Oppenheimer Caf?
Collins Memorial Library rocking chairs
Science Center atrium
Theme House Row
Other highlights include 97-acre Tudor Gothic campus with views of Mt. Rainier, Commencement Walk, athletic facilities, student center, arboretum, and observatory.
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Sixth Avenue music, bars, shops, restaurants
Pt. Defiance Park with zoo and aquarium
National parks (Olympic and Mt. Rainier)
Seattle and the Pacific Northwest
Ruston Way (waterfront, bike path)
The creative urban city of Tacoma is nestled between two mountain ranges and the shore of Puget Sound, close to SeaTac airport, and the cultural and entrepreneurial offerings of Seattle.
Pt. Defiance Park with zoo and aquarium
National parks (Olympic and Mt. Rainier)
Seattle and the Pacific Northwest
Ruston Way (waterfront, bike path)
The creative urban city of Tacoma is nestled between two mountain ranges and the shore of Puget Sound, close to SeaTac airport, and the cultural and entrepreneurial offerings of Seattle.
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
M-F for most of the year excluding university holidays
9am - 4pm
253-879-3211
9am - 4pm
253-879-3211
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
Information Sessions are integrated with the Campus Tour and offered M-F
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Option is presented in online registration form as available
Advance Notice
2 weeks
Contact Email Address for Visit
admission@pugetsound.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Option is presented in online registration form as available
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Other
Limitations
1-night stay Sun-Thurs night only; bring a sleeping bag, towel, and pillow
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 24 miles from campus. Capital Aeroporter provides hourly transportation from the airport to the downtown Tacoma Sheraton and, if possible, to campus. Call 800-962-3579 or 253-927-6179 (in Tacoma) or 206-838-7431 (at the airport) to arrange for this service. If the Aeroporter cannot take you to campus directly, you can take a taxi from the Sheraton. Amtrak train service is available to the station in Tacoma. From there, take a taxi or one of these public buses: #41, #400, or #500; request a transfer ticket and leave the bus at 10th and Commerce Streets. Wait there for the UPS Bus (#16A or #16B) and take it to N. 15th and Alder Sts., which is 1 block west of Wheelock Student Center. Greyhound Bus Lines also serve Tacoma. From the bus station, take the UPS Bus (#16A or #16B) at 10th and Commerce Sts. (1 block west of Pacific Ave. from the station) and follow preceding directions from there to campus.
Driving Instructions to Campus
From the North: from I-5, take exit 133 Interstate 705 north, City Center exit. Exit at Schuster Parkway. Continue for approximately one mile; stay to the left. Exit to the left, Schuster Parkway, and follow down along the water. Stay to the right and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. Exit right onto North 30th. Continue through the traffic signal in Old Town and up the hill. At the top of the hill, turn left at North Alder. Continue approximately one mile to North 15th. Turn right and proceed into campus. From I-5 South, take Exit 132 for Gig Harbor/Bremerton Hwy. (Washington Rte. 16); then take the Union Ave. exit, make a right at the light, and travel north approximately 2 miles to the campus (on your right). Continue onto N. 18th St. and turn right. Turn right again on N. Lawrence St. (at the yield sign) and continue to the stop sign. Turn right into Jones Circle. Park in the parking circle in front of Jones Hall or in the lot just south of Wheelock Student Center.
Local Accommodations
The Silver Cloud Inn (Tacoma 2317 N. Ruston Way; 253-272-1300 or 866-820-8448) is located on the waterfront in Tacoma and is less than two miles from campus. Courtyard by Marriott (1515 Commerce St.; 253-591-9100 or 800-321-2211), also about 2.5 miles from campus. The La Quinta Inn (1425 E. 27th St.; 253-383-0146) is located approximately 4 miles from the university and is more modestly priced.
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overview
Applicants: 5,345
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Average HS GPA: 3.59
GPA Breakdown
8%
4.0
31%
3.75 - 3.99
29%
3.50 - 3.74
16%
3.25 - 3.49
9%
3.00 - 3.24
7%
2.50 - 2.99
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
600 - 700
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
570 - 690
SAT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
1190 - 1290
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
27 - 32
Testing Policies
Yes
Yes
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Test Optional
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Action — November 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Non-Academic
Character / Personal Qualities
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
9:1
Total Faculty
262
with Terminal Degree
212
156
Women
106
Men
39
Minority
3
International
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
67%
Graduate in 5 years
73%
Graduate in 6 years
74%
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African-American/Black Studies.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other.
Latin American Studies.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Exercise Physiology.
Neuroscience.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business Administration and Management, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
-
EDUCATION.
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
Education, General.
Music Teacher Education.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Chinese Language and Literature.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.
Occupational Therapy/Therapist.
Physical Therapy/Therapist.
Public Health, General.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Biological and Physical Sciences.
Science, Technology and Society.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
American Government and Politics (United States).
Economics, General.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Economy.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology and Anthropology.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Ceramic Arts and Ceramics.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Keyboard Instruments.
Music Performance, General.
Music Theory and Composition.
Music, General.
Painting.
Printmaking.
Sculpture.
Voice and Opera.
Students Say
Featuring a "beautiful campus" and "excellent academics," the University of Puget Sound is a great option for anyone hoping to study in the Pacific Northwest. The school provides students with "an amazing support system" and truly strives to "help them [meet] their goal[s] in whatever capacity necessary." Academically, undergrads here are especially quick to highlight Puget Sound's "great arts programs, whether [in] English, music, or theater." They also applaud the fact that there are ample "project-based learning opportunities such as relevant work study [and] summer research for all majors and interests." Additionally, students benefit from small class sizes, which lead to plenty of "open discussion and interactive engagement with the course material." This also allows undergrads to develop "close student-professor relationships." And speaking of professors, they work hard to ensure their classes are "challenging" yet "accessible." Importantly, "they have open office hours that all students are encouraged to attend, and there is no shame in [doing so]." As one grateful student sums up, "Professors are genuinely excited to make time for students in their schedule for advice, homework help, or even just sharing a coffee. The level of concern of the professors for undergraduate education is almost unmatched."
Degrees
Bachelor's
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Deanna Oppenheimer '80
Director, Tesco PLC; former CEO, UK Retail Banking, Barclays
Carla Cooper '72
President/CEO, Daymon Worldwide
Richard M. Brooks '82
Pres./CEO Zumiez (skateboard and clothing store)
J. Mariner Kemper '95
Chair/CEO, UMB Financial Corp. (banking)
Bill Canfield '76
Co-chair, Cytovance Bioligics; forefront of Pompe disease research
Rachel E. Martin '96
Host, Weekend Edition, National Public Radio
Darby Stanchfield '93
Actress: Madmen, Scandal, etc.
Academic Rating
87/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
67%
Graduate in 5 years
73%
Graduate in 6 years
74%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Information from PayScale:
Starting Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$64,700
Mid-Career Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$128,300
Starting Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$68,000
Mid-Career Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$135,500
Percent High Job Meaning
51%
Percent STEM
18%
Students Say
The main goal of UNL’s Career Service Center is to facilitate connections between students and the professional world, with undergrads noting the abundance of “opportunities for internships and other pre-employment experiences." Activities are described as "really helpful with job placement," and include things like targeted career fairs that bring in local businesses to talk to students. Students also have the chance to “go out and explore in the real world [by] job shadowing professionals.” The Career Service Center’s services are anything but one-size-fits-all — UNL has multiple affinity programs that specialize in advocating for and supporting women, students of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, students with disabilities, and more during their career prep. For undergrads who want even more face time with the experts, the university offers drop-in career advising online and in-person every Monday through Friday.
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Mar 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$38,898
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$38,210
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,382
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
50%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$28,069
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$44,708
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$57,330
Required Fees
$296
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,000
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
$6,730
Transportation for Commuters
$500
On-Campus Room and Board
$14,430
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
87/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
1,712
Foreign Countries Represented
12
Demographics
6.78%
Asian
2.98%
Black
11.57%
Hispanic
65.83%
Caucasian
2.69%
Unknown
58% female
42% male
71% are out of state
98% are full time
2% are part time
Students Say
At first glance, the University of Puget Sound's student body appears "fairly homogenous." After all, most undergrads come from "white middle-class families along the West Coast." However, the school is making strides to become "more diverse," especially "in terms of gender expression and sexuality." What's more, Puget Sound students are "not afraid to voice their [opinions or] their views [on] everything from political to social issues." In turn, students also caution that "more conservative views can [either] fall on deaf ears [or] can be met with a strong argument." However, others quickly assert that no matter your background or leanings, Puget Sound students are "open and welcoming to all." As one undergrad shares, "[Students are] not just nice in passing, but they have depth and consideration; when you run into someone in a café and [make] small talk, it doesn't feel surface level." This makes for a "general vibe...[that is] laid back." Students also tend to describe their classmates as "unique," "adventurous," and "passionate" people who maintain a strong "desire for new experiences." Of course, if you're looking to easily pinpoint these undergrads, you'd simply say that the "typical [Puget Sound] student loves the outdoors, is a critical thinker, and knows what makes a good raincoat."
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
64%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
91/99
First-Year Students living on campus
99%
Campus Environment
Small Urban
91/99
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Frat Sorority
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Students Say
It's no secret that undergrads at Puget Sound are "very dedicated to their studies." In fact, "most students have a fun time studying in [the] two different cafés on campus." Of course, even these dedicated scholars need to kick back, so they frequently take advantage of the various "performances, talks, or events going on almost every week." Additionally, many students flock to "the athletic center to get in a workout, attend a dance class, or rock climb." A good number also participate in "at least one club or are [involved] in Greek life." Puget Sound undergrads report that "on any given Friday night you can find a party" to attend. No need to worry if that's not your scene. Students here are an "outdoorsy" lot, and when the weekend rolls around, many of them can be found "hiking, skiing, kayaking" or "[taking] camping trips to the Olympic Peninsula or out to Eastern Washington." People are also just as happy to stay local and explore all that the surrounding area has to offer including "the Bridge of Glass, Point Defiance park, and the Puget Sound waterfront."
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Student Accessibility and Accommodation
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Peggy Perno
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Documentation Required for LD
The following guidelines are provided in the interest of assuring that the evaluation and report are appropriate for documenting eligibility. All materials submitted will be evaluated in terms of the following minimum standards. ? The documentation must be prepared by a professional qualified by education and experience to diagnose learning disabilities, which would include but not be limited to a licensed neuropsychologist or psychologist, learning disability specialist or other appropriate professional certified to administer such tests as those identified below. Experience in evaluation of young adults with learning disabilities is essential. ? The evaluative measures used must be comprehensive and statistically valid and reliable. One test is not acceptable for the purpose of diagnosis. All tests administered must be the most recent version at the time administered, age appropriate, nationally normed, and individually administered. Aptitude Tests: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale with all subtest scores is preferable. The Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery IV: Tests of Cognitive Ability is acceptable. Achievement Tests: Current levels of functioning in all areas in which accommodations are requested are required. Acceptable instruments include the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery IV: Tests of Achievement, Stanford Test of Academic Skills (TASK), or specific achievement tests such as the Tests of Written Language-3 (TOWL-3), Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests Revised, or the Stanford Diagnostic Mathematics Test. (Neither the Wide Range Achievement Test Revised nor The Slingerland High School Screening Test is acceptable.) Information Processing: Specific areas of information processing (e.g., short and long term memory, sequential memory, auditory and visual perception/processing, processing speed) must be assessed. Use of subtests from the WAIS-IV or the WJ-R Tests of Cognitive Ability is acceptable. These guidelines are not intended to be an exhaustive list or to restrict assessment in other pertinent and helpful areas such as vocational interest, aptitudes, and learning styles.Documentation Required for ADHD
Students who are disability accommodations on the basis of a diagnosis of AD/HD are required to submit documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation of AD/HD consists of the provision of professional testing and evaluation and a written report that addresses specific academic needs of the student. The following guidelines are provided in the interest of assuring that the evaluation and report are appropriate for documenting eligibility: - The report should be prepared by a qualified professional (e.g., licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician) - Present clear and specific evidence, which identifies the individual?s present level of functioning and how the student?s education may be impacted. The report should include: - How long the diagnostician has treated the student and the date of last contact - Instruments, procedures, and data sources used to diagnose - Current symptoms that satisfy the DSM-IV or DSM-IV-TR criteria and approximate onset - DSM-5 diagnosis - Treatment being used (e.g., medication, counseling, etc.) - How this disorder impacts the student in the post-secondary environment - Diagnostician?s name, title, license number, address, and phone numberSpecial Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
No
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
No
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
No
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
125
Number of Honor Societies
14
Number of Social Sororities
5
Number of Religious Organizations
8
25% join a fraternity
18% join a sorority
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
26% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Loggers)
12 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cheerleading
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Cheerleading
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Loggers)
13 Sports
Basketball
Cheerleading
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Cheerleading
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Pacific Lutheran University
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Pacific Lutheran University
Sustainability
84/99
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Car Sharing Program
Yes
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
Yes
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Yes
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
No
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
Yes
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
Yes
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
No
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
Yes
School Developed Bicycle Plan
Yes
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Yes
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Dell; Apple
