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University of Puget Sound vs Seattle Pacific University

University of Puget Sound is a private university in Tacoma, WA. Seattle Pacific University is a private university in Seattle, WA. University of Puget Sound admits about 72% of applicants and Seattle Pacific University about 83%, making University of Puget Sound the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $24,488 a year at Seattle Pacific University after aid, and about $38,394 at University of Puget Sound. About 68% of students graduate at University of Puget Sound, compared with 62% at Seattle Pacific University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Puget Sound alumni earn a median of about $69,594, against $64,506 for Seattle Pacific University.

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University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Tacoma, WA
Seattle, WA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,594
1,762
Acceptance rate
72%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1380
1050–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
27–31
20–28
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,394
$24,488
Full cost / yr
$78,378
$56,826
In-state tuition
$62,898
$40,407
Out-of-state tuition
$62,898
$40,407
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,643
$20,735
$30k - $48k
$23,133
$18,559
$48k - $75k
$31,649
$19,332
$75k - $110k
$34,870
$27,976
Over $110k
$45,456
$29,819
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
62%
Freshman retention
84%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,802
$51,496
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,594
$64,506
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
35%
First-generation students
12%
23%
International students
0%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Puget Sound or Seattle Pacific University harder to get into?
University of Puget Sound is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 83% at Seattle Pacific University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Puget Sound or Seattle Pacific University?
Seattle Pacific University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,488 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,394 at University of Puget Sound. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Puget Sound and Seattle Pacific University?
Before aid, Seattle Pacific University costs about $56,826 a year and University of Puget Sound about $78,378. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Puget Sound or Seattle Pacific University?
Seattle Pacific University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,735 there, against about $23,643 at University of Puget Sound. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Puget Sound or Seattle Pacific University?
Seattle Pacific University is the larger of the two, with about 1,762 undergraduates against 1,594 at University of Puget Sound.
Does University of Puget Sound or Seattle Pacific University have a better graduation rate?
University of Puget Sound has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 62% at Seattle Pacific University.
Do graduates of University of Puget Sound or Seattle Pacific University earn more?
University of Puget Sound alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,594 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,506 for Seattle Pacific University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Puget Sound and Seattle Pacific University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Puget Sound considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Seattle Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Puget Sound and Seattle Pacific University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1380 at University of Puget Sound and 1050–1320 at Seattle Pacific University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school