About University of Puget Sound

Founded in 1888, University of Puget Sound. is a Private college. Located in Washington, which is a city setting in Washington, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 2,508 full time undergraduate students, and 283 full time graduate students.

The University of Puget Sound Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 11:1. There are 240 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Puget Sound include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate78%
Application DeadlineNovember 15 and January 2
Application Fee50
SAT Range
ACT Range

Admissions at UPS are considered Less Selective, with ,26% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 11 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

93% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 67% were in the top quarter, and 36% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Puget Sound.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
14%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
31%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
66%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
24%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
62%
“I feel extremely safe”
48%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
38%
“We bought the gear”
14%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
3%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
52%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
45%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
52%
“They keep regular office hours”
48%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
34%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
66%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
31%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
55%
“We only party on weekends”
14%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
41%
“There might be people who do”
48%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
14%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
31%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
66%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
24%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
62%
“I feel extremely safe”
48%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
38%
“We bought the gear”
14%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
3%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
52%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
45%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
52%
“They keep regular office hours”
48%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
34%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
66%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
31%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
55%
“We only party on weekends”
14%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
41%
“There might be people who do”
48%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

University of Puget Sound REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    67 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    47 Students rated off-campus housing 4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    71 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    71 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    71 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 66 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    70 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    71 Students rated local services 4 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    71 Students rated academics 4 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of University of Puget Sound?

25 Students rated University of Puget Sound

Aspen - 04/05/2023

Overall, I am a fan. Every professor I have had is extremely qualified and passionate. Even if the class isn't my 'thing,' so to speak, the professors do their best to understand and find ways to make the learning engaging. The school and campus is small, which I wanted, but if you are on the fence, know that this isn't a 'feels bigger than it is' situation. It's small and feels that way. It's not a bad thing, just something to be aware of. The people are nice, the staff especially so, and the food is fabulous. I've heard horror stories from friends at other universities, and am so grateful to have a variety of options food-wise. And all the options are good! We have an on-campus pizza place run by students that I worked at for 3 years, and its AMAZING.

Paloma - 08/14/2020

The University of Puget Sound is a very unique campus and is loved by all it\'s students. Many of the applicants, including myself, are awarded generous financial aid packages that help them attend this wonderful liberal arts college. All the professors are kind and attentive to each individual student\'s needs.

Zoe

I am very happy I am attending UPS. I have made many good friends here, and I am receiving a really great education. Having come from an area where not many people agreed with me politically, it is really refreshing to go to a school that shares many of the same values. I will say that it is what you would expect of a private liberal arts school: expensive and not diverse. As a person in the middle class, it hasn't been a walk in the park funding this education, but the financial aid office has been super helpful. This school definitely draws mainly wealthier white people, but since the school is more liberal I think they're working on it (at least I hope so). One thing I definitely appreciate is how politically active and conscious the student body is. Overall, since a lot of money goes into the school it has nice facilities, and is in a nice residential area that isn't too far from some shopping and restaurant districts.

Camille

UPS is a safe place for students from all over to live and learn. Class sizes are small which is nice and allows students to get to know their professors. The academics are challenging and classes can be difficult but the transition from high school to college is being actively improved upon by the community. The campus is an open campus and lots of neighbors from around the school like to walk their dogs through campus too:)

University of Puget Sound FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of Puget Sound?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Puget Sound is 78%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I could go back in time and give advice to my high school self upon coming to college, the main point would be to go to every event. Yes, the floormates you have freshman year are going to be awesome, but meet as many people as you can because that will only make things easier down the road. When people start taking different classes, declare majors, or head out of the country to study abroad, a wider friend group will act as a support system. The more people you meet, the more interesting things you will be exposed to and the more complex your social learning environment will become. You may meet someone that has an inspiring passion for social justice or you may meet a person that can teach you how to do all the outdoor activities you’ve always wanted to do. Ultimately, you may find that one person that reminds you of home and who becomes your best friend. Seeing familiar faces all around campus can be a comfort because in the end, you know you won’t be the only person that feels just like you do. A confused and happily lost freshman.

    Read all  72 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    For the most part, my classmates are very engaged and very intelligent as well as very friendly and helpful; some of them have become very good friends.

    Read all  21 answers
  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    The University of Puget Sound offers its students a pristine, but small, campus, and a thorough education focused on the liberal arts.

    Read all  18 answers
  5. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about UPS is the environment. Not only are you in a gorgeous place that reaps the benefits of natural beauty, but you are also supported by so many people in a variety of areas throughout the campus. The people who go to school here might be strange or different from what you are used to, but they are all amazing, and most of them will rush to be by your side no matter what time it is whenever you need them. Trust me, we take care of each other.

    Read all  18 answers
  6. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    You should not attend the University of Puget Sound if you aren't excited about learning, willing to fully commit to your education, and don't enjoy the Pacific Northwest weather. At Puget Sound you need to be a self-motivated student and willing to work with many different types of people. It gets quite rainy and overcast here so if you only flourish in the sun, this campus will be hard for you to live on.

    Read all  17 answers
  7. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    How expensive the school overall. The price increases next year which means I will have to get more money, and my family is already putting in over 24,000 dollars into my education with my grandparents putting in a few thousand. I recieve 19,000 in merit scholarship. My family is already putting in as much as they can, and I still have student loans. With a price increase I will have more debt, and have to hope I can get decent loans that wait until I am out of college.

    Read all  17 answers
  8. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Anyone who wants to attend a small school with a strong community should consider this school. Not only are the class sizes fairly small to facilitate good relationships with peers and professors, the professors here are always willing to dedicate one-on-one time to students outside of the classroom. There is a place for everyone at this school; students here have such diverse interests that anyone can find a place for themself in at least one of the many activities offered here on campus.

    Read all  13 answers
  9. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had been more prepared for the differences in culture between my home state of Connecticut and the state of Washington, particularly a very liberal school in Washington. The adjustment took a few months, but after that point I was very happy with my choice of college. I also wish that I had put more emphasis on and recognized the importance of my GPA during my first two years.

    Read all  11 answers
  10. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Our student body isn't very diverse, whether you're talking race, religion or background. While the school does make a visible effort to fix this, there is still a long way to go.

    Read all  11 answers
  11. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Being a small University, The University of Puget Sound has both large all-encompassing stereotypes and small specific group stereotypes. The larger stereotypes are that all the students here are overachievers, and slow to warm up to new students. I've found that while many students are certainly academically concerned, they tend to be well rounded individuals who are just as interested in fun and community. I have never encountered a student who was not quick to welcome and include me socially, and after transferring from a large state school I can confidently say that the environment here is warm and inclusive. In terms of specific group stereotypes, students seem to be pigeonholed by their peers into different categories. For example, it is a common belief that everyone working at or affiliated with KUPS are hipsters or anyone you meet who is involved in Greek Life is haughty/arrogant. I've found these group stereotypes to be incorrect on almost every occasion. I've met so many fantastic people from all walks of life here and each person is so much more than the groups they are affiliated with.

    Read all  10 answers
  12. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    We have an integrated International Relations/Economics major called International Political Economy with a really amazing department and faculty, our student body is smart, innovative, and passionate, and our campus is GORGEOUS.

    Read all  10 answers
  13. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    My overall opinion of Puget Sound is incredibly positive. I am from Utah and wanted a close knit family community since I was away from my own family. I definitely found that at school here. There is such a wide range of people in the student body that it was easy to find people I could see myself with for the next four years. Professors care so much about their students and their well being that it made me feel taken care of and at home very quickly. My classes have been great and it has been so easy to find what classes to take and to get into them. With 2600 undergraduate students I have never had a problem getting into a class I wanted or feeling that class sizes are too big. My biggest class has been about 20 and my smallest was 7. All classes are taught by professors and they really get to know their students. I am a senior now and a professor I had first semester of my freshman year says hi to me in passing everytime. Also, my advisor and peer advisor were very helpful in the whole process of adjusting to college life, registering, declaring a major, etc. I also enjoy the social life on campus here. I play a varsity sport and it is so exciting to have people come to games dressed up and to go to other sporting events in jerseys and logger gear. We have great speakers, talks, concerts, and more events held on campus. One of my personal favorites is the $1 movie nights on campus. I also am a part of Greek life. Greek life at Puget Sound is really different than I expected it would be. I never would have told you that I would be in a sorority. I am not the "stereotypical sorority girly girl". Greek life here is about community involvement both on and off campus. It is about having another family away from home. There is no rivalry between different Greek houses; one of my best friends is in a different sorority than I am. Overall, I really enjoy all aspects of Puget Sound from academics and professors to social life and location near Seattle. I would highly recommend visiting campus and seeing it for yourself!

    Read all  9 answers
  14. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    I believe the University of Puget Sound is best known for its small, friendly, well established campus. The students, as well as faculty and staff, are all very welcoming and helpful. The student to teacher ratio is very low (something around 1:14) so each student gets a lot of one on one time with their teacher if that is what is desired. Student advisors are very helpful for transitioning students and make them feel very comfortable so that the move is easier and less stressful.

    Read all  8 answers
  15. What are the academics like at your school?

    Academics are amazing. I love the small class size and close relationships to professors. I have enjoyed the liberal arts approach as well. Getting some foundations in multiple disciplines has really made me a more well rounded student and I am now able to make interdisciplinary connections that I would not otherwise have been able to make.

    Read all  6 answers
  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    There are so many clubs and organizations on campus that there is no way I could name all of them. Athletics are very popular, both varsity sports, club sports, and intrammural sports. Greek life is popular as well. There are 4 sororities and 3 fraternities on campus. Themed housing is pretty cool as well; people can make up any theme for their house on Theme Row and get it approved. There are lots of religious groups, departmental clubs, music groups, and more. There is something for everyone!

    Read all  6 answers
  17. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The campus is very pretty with Northwest trees and a mini forest. The facilities and faculty are amazing. All my classes are small ranging from 25 to 10 people. The professors actually get to know there students names and about them individually.

    Read all  5 answers
  18. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    Several of our sports teams have larger followings than others, such as men and women's soccer and basketball, as well as women's volleyball. We don't have athletic scholarships at Puget Sound, but many athletes are on merit-based scholarships which range from 7,000-19,000. School spirit has greatly increased in the past year because of Logger Nation, a new club formed with a large membership that goes and cheers on different sports teams. Many students also participate in club sports, a more laid-back way to stay involved with your sport of choice in college.

    Read all  4 answers
  19. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I had several factors, including wanting to stay dancing with my current dance school, that were important enough to me to decide to stay in the area. Otherwise, I probably would have been like a lot of other students at my small, private high school and would have been expected to go to a school in California or somewhere across the country. Boy, am I lucky that this decision led me to Puget Sound. It is just far enough away from Seattle that I feel like I can't go home on the weekends, which has pushed me to live independently. I have grown to love the Tacoma area, especially the North End where Puget Sound is. It came down to deciding between Puget Sound and University of Washington, and I can't imagine what life would be like if I had decided to go elsewhere.

    Read all  4 answers
  20. What's the Greek scene like?

    The majority of my closest friends are Greek, because of the fact that I live in a Greek house and many of the scheduled activities are with other Greek houses, so it's just easy to make connections with those people. However, several of my best friends are aren't in a house; there is no major separation between Greeks and non-Greeks. I would have to say that the relationship between Greeks and non-Greeks could be improved, but the rift is nothing compared to how it is at major state schools. Joining the Greek system I can confidently say is the best thing I could have ever decided to do at University of Puget Sound, I have learned invaluable leadership skills, met incredible, passionate, smart women through my sorority and have access to mentoring in academics and other areas because of my affiliation. Though each experience is different, in my experience I am very grateful that the Greek system here is much more laid back than at large state schools and though some do choose to take part in the partying/drinking scene, it is entirely acceptable to forego that entirely and instead, focus on the experiences of friendship and leadership that I consider myself so lucky to have found.

    Read all  3 answers
  21. What do people really wear to class?

    Jeans and a fleece is probably the most common clothing combination I've seen, though students can dress from anywhere from business casual to yoga pants and a sweatshirt, it really just depends on how you feel each day. The only outfit that might get a second glance is heels and a mini-skirt because Puget Sound students are generally more casual - you would rarely see this ensemble on campus.

    Read all  3 answers

Student Body

Students

60%

female

40%

male

2,508

Total Undergrad Enrollment

283

Total Grad Students

81%

Out-Of-State

19%

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

75

Student Organizations

3

Fraternities

4

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

55%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
6%
% Black or African-American
1%
% Hispanic/Latino
8%
% White or Caucasian
73%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

100% of students attending University of Puget Sound receive some sort of financial aid. 18% were awarded federal grants. While 45% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$46,552

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,000

Books and Supplies

$11,800

Room and Board

59,352

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$28,479
$30 - $48K
$33,907
$48 - $75K
$36,126
$75 - $110K
$36,825
$110K & UP
$41,820

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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