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
Associate Director of Admission
1500 N. Warner St.
Tacoma, WA 98416-1062
Experience College Life
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.
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
9am - 4pm
253-879-3211
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Is Puget Sound right for you?
Are you passionate about getting an engaging education while also setting up for future success? Do you delight in the outdoors and find calm under a tall canopy of trees? Want to meet a kind, creative, stimulating, and talented community of people? Puget Sound was named 1 of 40 colleges that change lives. Students are encouraged to follow their passions and explore their interests while collaborating with their professors in research and mentorship opportunities. You'll emerge 4 years later with your passions realized and your thinking transformed forever. Our holistic admission process doesn't just look at grades or test scores. We consider students as a whole—looking for intellectually engaged individuals who are eager to get involved as members of the Puget Sound community.
Come as you are. We love the way each unique class of students helps shape our campus culture! Diverse world views, wide—ranging interests, and novel life experiences are welcome here.
Visit pugetsound.edu/apply to learn more!
Admission deadlines:
- November 1: Early Decision I & Early Action Applications Due Why wait? When it's love at first sight, get your foot in the door.
- January 15: Regular Decision Applications Due Just because you run with the crowd doesn't mean you won't stand out.
Find out why Puget Sound was named 1 of 20 most beautiful campuses in the country! Tour our historic and stunning Pacific Northwest campus in Tacoma and you could receive a visit scholarship of $1,000 toward tuition. Schedule yours today at pugetsound.edu/visit!
Overview
GPA Breakdown
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Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Action — November 1
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Character / Personal Qualities
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
The Experiential Learning program expands education outside of the classroom for greater impact and comprehension. All Puget Sound students will complete at least one form of Experiential Learning before they graduate—known as the Logger Experiential Commitment—by choosing between an internship, studying abroad, summer research, or community-based learning. A number of campus resources ensure that students understand the scope of their Experiential Learning options, make the most of their opportunities, and receive the support they need throughout the experience.
The Business Leadership Program (BLP) is a highly selective program of 25 students within the School of Business & Leadership and features seven special BLP student-only classes.
The Honors Program at Puget Sound explores and interrogates the intellectual traditions of the liberal arts. The program culminates in a senior thesis written in the student's major or area of interest.
Through a wide variety of colloquia, workshops, performances, and a vibrant Community Music Department, the School of Music at the University of Puget Sound offers a comprehensive music program within a nationally recognized liberal arts college.
Puget Sound features many other notable academic programs. Visit pugetsound.edu/academics to learn more.
Majors and Degrees Offered
With more than 1,200 courses within 50+ areas of study, Puget Sound brings the scope of a larger institution to a rigorous Liberal Arts education model. Our much-lauded Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) departments have rendered Puget Sound a leading national institution for women who go on to earn doctoral degrees in STEM subjects. A student-to-faculty ratio of just 11:1 ensures abundant office hours and mentorship opportunities.
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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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.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Exercise Physiology.
Neuroscience.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business Administration and Management, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
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EDUCATION.
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
Education, General.
Music Teacher Education.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
English Language and Literature, General.
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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.
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HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.
Occupational Therapy/Therapist.
Physical Therapy/Therapist.
Public Health, General.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
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MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Biological and Physical Sciences.
Science, Technology and Society.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
Physics, General.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
American Government and Politics (United States).
Economics, General.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Economy.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology and Anthropology.
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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
Degrees
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Coop
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Coop
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Students Say
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Tuition (Full-Time Enrollment): $57,330
Student Government Fee: $296
Room on Campus: $7,700
Meals on Campus: $6,730
Total: $72,056
Financial Aid
We know that investing in a college education is a huge decision, and our Student Financial Services are here to help with financial planning through all 4 years. Puget Sound commits over $55 million per year to help students pay for their education. All incoming students are considered for merit-based scholarships ranging up to $30,000. Additional need-based grants and talent-based scholarships are available.
To serve our local community, we also offer the Tacoma Public Schools Commitment: students who graduated after at least 3 consecutive years in Tacoma Public Schools are eligible for a financial aid package that meets their full demonstrated financial need.
Dates
Required Forms
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
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
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Does our student body sound like you?
- Our students form a community of daring achievers who seek excellence and success, but in their own original way that breaks the mold.
- They are experience—seekers driven by intentionality, beauty, and meaningful social connections.
- With bravery and kindness, they explore the possibilities with a passion for self—expression and creativity.
Busy and high—achieving but not competitive, Puget Sound students love to do what they love to do! While we have 21 incredible varsity sports, more than half of our students participate in intramurals and club sports, including basketball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball. There are dozens of student interest groups about everything from gardening to anime to video games to cultural identities. For students who enjoy getting out in nature, Puget Sound Outdoors facilitates overnight camping trips, an on—campus climbing wall, and guided hikes. While you earn your degree, you'll explore new interests and share your favorite hobbies with a new community.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Our campus, voted 1 of 20 most beautiful in the nation, is home to a small forest of 1,511 trees. The largest tree on campus is our iconic giant sequoia right outside the Wheelock Student Center. On a clear day, you can see Mount Rainier from the center of campus. It's true that the Pacific Northwest is home to stunning mountain ranges, lush forests, cool waters, and endless hiking trails, but it's also a community of thoughtful and empathetic individuals. It's the perfect place to grow, explore, and connect with others.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Our Collins Memorial Library is a treasure trove of resources, from the expected (individual and group study spaces, an excellent collection of print volumes and magazines, and an online database) to the convenient (technology and media services, computer support, and equipment rental). But perhaps the most special resource at Collins Memorial Library is the Makerspace where students have access to 3—D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, art supplies, and a number of creative workshops. In 2016, Puget Sound renovated and expanded our Athletic & Aquatics center.
Off-Campus Opportunities
As a college town, Tacoma is unmatched; explore the outdoors from the boardwalk, beach access, and the sprawling Point Defiance urban park, then enjoy the city with its incredible food scene, hidden gems for vintage shoppers, and the museum district with 6 different museums. Every third Friday of the month, you can catch a horror film at the historic Blue Mouse Theatre. When the mood strikes to get out of town, Puget Sound Outdoors organizes day ski trips and overnight camping for students. Seattle and Olympia are less than an hour away. Between the city and the outdoors, endless exploring awaits!
Campus Life
Housing Options
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Students Say
Special Needs Admissions
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
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Cheerleading
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Cheerleading
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Pacific Lutheran University
Sustainability
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/#/