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University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“προs τα ακρα (Greek)”(To the heights)

1888
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
1,631
Total Students
1,712
Undergrad
220
Graduate
$500M
Endowment
(2025)
$60K
Tuition (In-State)
$60K
Tuition (Out-State)
$39K
Avg Net Price
76%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Isiaah Crawford

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Puget Sound

University of Puget Sound: A historic liberal arts college fostering undergraduate excellence.

University of Puget Sound stands as a distinguished private liberal arts college, nestled in the vibrant North End of Tacoma, Washington. With a commitment to empowering its 2,023 students, the university is renowned for its intensive undergraduate focus, fostering a close-knit community where intellectual curiosity thrives. Under the leadership of President Isiaah Crawford, Puget Sound continues its tradition of providing a rigorous yet supportive academic environment, shaping future leaders and engaged citizens.

The university's journey began in 1888, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been marked by remarkable resilience and evolution. After a financially tumultuous start and several relocations, it found its permanent home in Tacoma in 1924, setting a distinctive architectural style. A pivotal moment arrived in 1980 when the institution boldly divested from the Methodist Church, reaffirming its independence and sharpening its focus on undergraduate education. This commitment was further solidified when its law school was sold, allowing resources to be channeled entirely into enhancing the core liberal arts experience.

Academically, Puget Sound excels in delivering a rich and broad-based education. Investments in state-of-the-art facilities like "The Science Center at Puget Sound," completed in 2008, provide students with cutting-edge labs and learning spaces. The innovative Thomas Hall, opened in 2013, extends the learning environment into residential life, offering specialized academic-residential programs in areas such as the Humanities, environmental outdoor leadership, and entrepreneurship. With a faculty dedicated to expanding knowledge and an academic profile evidenced by rising SAT scores, Puget Sound offers an enriching and engaging experience designed to prepare students for impactful lives.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1888, boasting over a century of academic heritage.
  • ✦A private liberal arts college deeply committed to undergraduate excellence.
  • ✦Features a substantial $0.5 billion endowment, supporting its mission and growth.
  • ✦Serves a close-knit student body of 2,023, fostering personalized learning.
  • ✦Home to "The Science Center at Puget Sound," completed in 2008, with upgraded labs and facilities.
  • ✦Introduced Thomas Hall in 2013, offering unique academic-residential programs (e.g., Humanities, entrepreneurship).
  • ✦Demonstrated academic rigor with SAT scores rising from 1067 to 1253.

Timeline

1888
Founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Tacoma.
1903
Re-incorporated as the University of Puget Sound after a tumultuous beginning.
1914
Renamed the College of Puget Sound.
1924
Campus moved to its current location in the residential North End of Tacoma.
1960
Name changed back to the University of Puget Sound.
1980
Divested from the Methodist Church, becoming an independent institution.
1992
Law school sold to Seattle University to focus resources on the undergraduate campus.
2008
Major renovation and expansion of science facilities, now known as "The Science Center at Puget Sound," completed.
2013
Thomas Hall, a residence hall featuring academic-residential programs for upper-division students, opened.
2016
Isiaah Crawford assumed presidency.
🏛️
138 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within University of Puget Sound

⚖️

Law School

Historically part of the university, it was sold to Seattle University in the early 1990s to focus resources on undergraduate education.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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