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University of Puget Sound vs Saint Martin's University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Tacoma WA · vs · Private nonprofit, Lacey WA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Puget Sound has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $153,576 in 7.2 years versus 8.2 years at Saint Martin's University, on median earnings of $69,594 vs $62,092 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Puget SoundSaint Martin's University
Net price / yr$38,394$28,119
Total net cost$153,576$112,476
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,594$62,092
Median debt$25,000$22,500
Payback7.2 yrs8.2 yrs
20-year net return$271,104$162,164

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Puget Sound or Saint Martin's University?

Saint Martin's University, at $28,119 a year after aid versus $38,394 — a gap of $10,275 a year, or $41,100 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Puget Sound or Saint Martin's University graduates earn more?

University of Puget Sound graduates report a median $69,594 ten years after entry, $7,502 more than the $62,092 at Saint Martin's University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Puget Sound or Saint Martin's University?

Saint Martin's University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at University of Puget Sound, a difference of $2,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at University of Puget Sound, against 52% at Saint Martin's University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Puget Sound vs Saint Martin's University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Puget Sound or Saint Martin's University a better value?
University of Puget Sound. It clears its $153,576 net cost in about 7.2 years versus 8.2 years at Saint Martin's University, on median earnings of $69,594 vs $62,092 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Puget Sound or Saint Martin's University?
Saint Martin's University: $28,119/yr net price after aid versus $38,394/yr at University of Puget Sound — a difference of $10,275 a year, or about $41,100 over four years.
Do University of Puget Sound or Saint Martin's University graduates earn more?
University of Puget Sound graduates earn a median $69,594 ten years after entry, versus $62,092 at Saint Martin's University — a $7,502 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.