Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Tacoma, Washington
76.3% Acceptance Rate
University of Puget Sound — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
76.3%Acceptance Rate
3.56Avg GPA
1332Avg SAT
29Avg ACT
$75,509Annual Cost
$69,594Grad Salary
16.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
76.3%
Avg GPA
3.56
Avg SAT
1332
Avg ACT
29
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1185–1390
ACT Middle 50%
27–31
Need-Based Aid
16.7% receive Pell
University of Puget Sound is a private, selective liberal arts college in Washington known for its commitment to academic rigor, critical inquiry, and a holistic approach to education. With a strong emphasis on intellectual growth, global engagement, and community service, the college fosters an environment where students are challenged to lead and serve. Its focus on providing a high-value and transformative liberal arts experience makes it a top-tier choice for dedicated students.
University of Puget Sound Acceptance Rate
University of Puget Sound maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 76.3%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 76.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.11
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
University of Puget Sound Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of Puget Sound is November 15 for Early Decision I applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 118 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 15
Decision by: December 15
Early Decision II
January 15
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by: March 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (2025/12/01 (Merit scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Puget Sound GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of Puget Sound is 3.56. University of Puget Sound is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.76-3.96 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.26 and 3.56, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of Puget Sound GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of Puget Sound utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.56, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.16 – 3.35
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.15
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Only national independent liberal arts college in Western Washington; one of five Northwest colleges with a Phi Beta Kappa charter; test-optional since 2015; Early Action and Early Decision deadlines both November 1, regular decision January 15
- Business Leadership Program (BLP) admits a maximum of 25 first-years per year via a separate supplemental application; requires 3.0 GPA maintenance and includes seven BLP-exclusive courses
- Music scholarships awarded solely on audition regardless of major; nearly 50% of recipients are non-music majors; Common App arts supplement is not accepted in place of the required audition
- No standalone engineering major; Dual-Degree Engineering Program allows a liberal arts major at Puget Sound plus an affiliated-school engineering degree (e.g., Washington University in St. Louis), resulting in two bachelor's degrees
- The Rigor Metric: At University of Puget Sound, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Puget Sound
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Puget Sound's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Puget Sound Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into University of Puget Sound Without SAT or ACT?
University of Puget Sound considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
University of Puget Sound Average SAT Score: 1332
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Puget Sound is 1332 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1332 — Competitive
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1332 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1390 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Puget Sound allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1185, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Puget Sound. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 625 | 570 | 680 |
| SAT Reading | 663 | 615 | 710 |
| SAT Composite | 1332 | 1185 | 1390 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1185 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Puget Sound and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1390 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into University of Puget Sound with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Puget Sound are good but the admission staff at University of Puget Sound tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Puget Sound ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of Puget Sound is 29.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 29 — Competitive
This score makes University of Puget Sound Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 24 | 28 |
| ACT English | 30 | 25 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 27 | 31 |
Can I get into University of Puget Sound with a 31 ACT?
A 31 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Puget Sound — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Puget Sound use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Puget Sound — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Puget Sound uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 31 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Puget Sound
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Puget Sound is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Submit a Separate Business Leadership Program Application Immediately Upon Deciding to Apply - It Admits Only 25 Students Per Year
The Business Leadership Program (BLP) is a highly selective cohort within the School of Business & Leadership that admits a maximum of 25 first-years annually and requires a distinct supplemental application beyond the standard Common Application - a structural fact easy to miss since Puget Sound's general acceptance rate runs 72?76%. Because BLP is a four-year cohort model with seven dedicated BLP-only courses and a 3.0 GPA maintenance requirement, students interested in business should not assume that general admission to Puget Sound implies BLP admission, and should complete the separate BLP application at the same time as the Common Application rather than waiting to see the general decision first. Applicants should also know that many BLP students double major in disciplines like music, economics, mathematics, or international political economy, so framing a BLP application around a specific double-major intention (rather than business as a standalone interest) reflects how the program's own admitted cohort is actually composed.
Audition for Music Scholarship Consideration Even If Not Majoring in Music - Nearly Half of Music Scholarships Go to Non-Majors
Puget Sound's School of Music explicitly states that music scholarships are awarded solely on audition performance regardless of declared major, and that nearly 50% of music scholarship recipients are not music majors. This is a structural opportunity most non-music applicants never discover, since the audition process (which requires a separate Music Audition Application, a recommendation letter from a studio teacher or conductor, and either a live or recorded audition) is buried in School of Music-specific admissions pages rather than the general application checklist. A student who plays an instrument or sings at a reasonably serious level - even as a hobby - should register for an audition regardless of intended major, since this functions as an entirely separate scholarship funnel layered on top of Puget Sound's already-substantial merit aid (up to $45,000 automatically considered for all applicants). Note that Puget Sound explicitly does not accept the Common Application arts supplement in place of this audition; the two are not interchangeable.
Use the Dual-Degree Engineering Program to Access Engineering Credentials Through a Liberal Arts Application, Not a Direct Engineering Application
Puget Sound has no standalone engineering major, but its Dual-Degree Engineering Program allows a student to spend three to four years completing a full liberal arts major plus engineering prerequisites at Puget Sound, then transfer to an affiliated engineering school (including Columbia and Washington University in St. Louis) to complete a second bachelor's degree in engineering - resulting in two degrees from two institutions. Because this program is application-invisible if a student searches only for "engineering major," a prospective applicant with engineering ambitions should apply to Puget Sound with an intended liberal arts major (commonly physics, math, or chemistry) and explicitly state the Dual-Degree Engineering intent in their application, since this positions them differently than a student who simply wants a standard four-year physics degree. Confirm current articulation agreements and required prerequisite coursework directly with the program office, since affiliated-school partnerships and specific transfer requirements can change year to year.
Apply Early Action or Early Decision by November 1 to Access the Strongest Merit Scholarship Consideration
Puget Sound's Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are both November 1, well ahead of the January 15 regular deadline, and the university states that admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships up to $45,000 with average institutional gift aid around $44,000 for 2026?27. Because Puget Sound is test-optional (since 2015) and evaluates holistically across academic performance, curriculum rigor, writing, and community leadership, an Early Action file lets admissions readers allocate scholarship dollars to a smaller, earlier applicant pool before the bulk of the regular-decision pool arrives - meaning statistically similar applicants can receive different aid outcomes purely based on submission timing. Students should treat the November 1 date as the effective priority deadline for maximizing aid consideration, not just an optional early option.
Expert Insight:
The most common failure is treating Puget Sound's holistic, test-optional, 72?76% acceptance-rate general admission as evidence that its most distinctive programs are similarly accessible - the Business Leadership Program caps at 25 students per year with its own competitive application, and Talent Scholarships in music, theatre, art, and forensics require separate auditions or portfolio submissions with their own deadlines that do not align with the general Common Application timeline. Students who wait to see their general admission decision before starting the BLP application or scheduling a music audition often miss internal program deadlines that run earlier than the general regular-decision date, permanently forfeiting the chance to compete for these specific tracks and their associated scholarship dollars.
University of Puget Sound Profile
Full Name
University of Puget Sound
City
Tacoma
State
Washington
ZIP Code
98416
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a University of Puget Sound Degree Worth It?
Getting into University of Puget Sound can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of Puget Sound offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of Puget Sound is $72,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.42%.
How much does a degree from University of Puget Sound Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Puget Sound is $75,509. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Puget Sound is much less than this.
16.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 42.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Puget Sound and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Puget Sound, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Puget Sound as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of Puget Sound Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $69,594. An average University of Puget Sound graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Puget Sound. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1301 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Puget Sound. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Waltham, MA | 1340 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Puget Sound. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
Degree Programs at University of Puget Sound
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Puget Sound Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $69,594 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $75,509 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
16.7% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of University of Puget Sound is 76.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.56. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.26, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.26, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.16 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.56, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of Puget Sound is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1332 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1185–1390.
The application deadline for University of Puget Sound is November 15 for Early Decision I applicants. Admission decisions are released by December 15.
The scholarship priority deadline is 2025/12/01 (Merit scholarship priority). Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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