Whitworth University vs University of Puget Sound: which has better ROI?
University of Puget Sound has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $153,576 in 7.2 years versus 10.4 years at Whitworth University, on median earnings of $69,594 vs $58,561 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Whitworth University | University of Puget Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $26,534 | $38,394 |
| Total net cost | $106,136 | $153,576 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,561 | $69,594 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 10.4 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $97,884 | $271,104 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Whitworth University or University of Puget Sound?
Whitworth University, at $26,534 a year after aid versus $38,394 — a gap of $11,860 a year, or $47,440 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Whitworth University or University of Puget Sound graduates earn more?
University of Puget Sound graduates report a median $69,594 ten years after entry, $11,033 more than the $58,561 at Whitworth 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, Whitworth University or University of Puget Sound?
Completers at both borrow a median $25,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at Whitworth University, against 68% at University of Puget Sound. 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.