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University of Puget Sound

1500 N. Warner St., Tacoma, WA 98416, USA

University of Puget Sound award
University of Puget Sound award
US ranking
position: 795
Tuition & fees per year: $65,886
Acceptance rate: 76.00%
Median alumni salary: $31,762
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1260 SAT, 29 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does University of Puget Sound offer in terms of athletics?

The University of Puget Sound provides a comprehensive athletics program that emphasizes both competition and personal growth. Students have the opportunity to participate in NCAA Division III sports, which combines competitive play with a focus on academics and campus involvement. The university sponsors a variety of men's and women's sports, including basketball, soccer, swimming, track and field, and volleyball, among others.

Beyond varsity athletics, the institution encourages students to engage in intramural and club sports, offering an inclusive environment for those seeking recreational or less formal athletic experiences. Facilities on campus support these activities, providing spaces for training, practice, and competition that cater to different sports disciplines.

Athletic participation is designed to foster teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills while promoting physical wellness. The university's commitment to supporting student-athletes academically ensures they can balance their sport with their studies effectively. Overall, the athletics program at University of Puget Sound aims to enrich student life through diverse opportunities in sport and physical activity.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of Puget Sound?

The University of Puget Sound offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests. Among these are Puget Sound Outdoors, which encourages students to engage with nature and outdoor activities, and the Repertory Dance Group, providing a platform for those interested in performance and choreography. The cultural club Ka Ohana me ke Aloha fosters community around Hawaiian values and heritage. For students passionate about theatre, Student Theatre Productions offer opportunities to participate in stage performances and production roles. Additionally, the university hosts Relay for Life, a student group dedicated to combating cancer through fundraising and awareness events.

Who studies at University of Puget Sound?

University of Puget Sound hosts a diverse student population with a significant portion of its undergraduates aged between 18 and 21. Specifically, most undergraduates fall within the 18-19 (747 students) and 20-21 (647 students) age brackets, while the graduate student body is comparatively older, with many between 22 and 34 years old. Overall, the total student age distribution reveals a concentration in early adulthood, while mature learners are represented in smaller numbers.

The institution has an enrollment of 463 freshmen and 42 transfer students, totaling 505 new students in an academic year. These numbers are considered average when compared to other universities.

In terms of diversity, the university shows a balanced mix across racial and ethnic groups, although most categories rank around average in comparison to national data. White students form the majority with 1,053 individuals. Hispanic and students identifying with two or more races each number over 140, while African American and Asian students are represented by approximately 50 and 108 students respectively. The university also has modest representations of Native American and Pacific Islander students.

Regarding residency status, there is a notably low percentage of in-state students, comprising only 23%, which places the university in the bottom 5% nationally for this metric. Conversely, out-of-state students make up a much larger share at 77%, ranking the institution in the top 5% for attracting students from outside the state. Students from the United States overall number 77%, reflecting an average domestic presence, while international students are a very small portion, situated in the bottom 30% relative to peer schools.

How does student life look like at University of Puget Sound?

Student life at University of Puget Sound offers a range of cultural and media activities for those interested in arts and communication. The university supports a campus newspaper, a drama program, a radio station, and a chorus, providing multiple outlets for creative expression and involvement.

Health and well-being services are available to students through an on-campus health clinic and psychological counseling, aiming to support their physical and mental health needs.

While some support services such as legal assistance, veterans affairs office, and a women's center are not present, the university maintains a relatively small and intimate environment with a student-faculty ratio of about 10 to 1, which is comparatively low.

The student body is moderate in size, with an overall enrollment under 2,000 and full-time degree-seeking students numbering just over 400, reflecting a smaller campus community experience. The university also hosts a modest level of international diversity with students from around eight different countries.

What libraries are available to students at University of Puget Sound?

University of Puget Sound offers access to the Collins Memorial Library as its primary library facility. This is the sole library on campus, placing the institution in the lower range compared to others in terms of the number of libraries available to students. Despite the limited number of physical library spaces, students benefit from both physical and digital access to resources supported by trained library staff. The library operates with established hours and provides access to shared collections, enhancing the range of materials available beyond its own holdings. However, no study rooms or all-day access options are available within the library services.

University of Puget Sound Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

1864

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

430

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

182 full time, 61 part time

Veterans affair office

No

University of Puget Sound Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Collins Memorial Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

No

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

University of Puget Sound Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

University of Puget Sound Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of Puget Sound Location & Map