Academic Comparison between Western Washington and Puget Sound

Western Washington University and University of Puget Sound are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Western Washington is a four-year, public school located in Bellingham, WA and Puget Sound is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Tacoma, WA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Western Washington is a public and Puget Sound is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Puget Sound has more expensive tuition & fees ($62,898) than Western Washington ($28,707).
  • It is harder to admit to Puget Sound than Western Washington.
  • Both Western Washington and Puget Sound have the same submitted SAT scores (1,280).
  • Puget Sound has higher submitted ACT score (28) than Western Washington (28).
  • Western Washington has more students with 14,710 students while Puget Sound has 1,864 students.
  • Puget Sound has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Western Washington's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Western Washington has more full-time faculties with 686 faculties while Puget Sound has 192 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Washington Universityvs.University of Puget Sound
Bellingham, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$9,582
Out-Of-State$28,707
2025 Tuition & Fees$62,898
58%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$9,066Average Amount of Financial Aid$36,377
93.25 %Acceptance Rates72.25 %
22.94 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.36 %
1,280SAT Score1,280
28ACT Score29
65 %Graduation Rate68 %
-Transfer-out Rate15 %
79 %Retention Rate84 %
14,710Student Population1,864
686Number of Faculties192
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services