Office of Admission

Welcome Center

1500 N. Warner St. #1062
Tacoma, WA 98416-1062

253.879.3211
253.879.3993
admission@pugetsound.edu
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Types of Financial Aid

At Puget Sound, we strive to financially assist students who want to invest in their education at Puget Sound. On average, we offer need-based financial aid awards to 65% of our students who complete the FAFSA. Award packages typically combine scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment.

Higher education is a big investment; that’s why it’s important to have a strong understanding of your finances and how to pay for college. We know the process may be overwhelming, so we’re here to help you—from understanding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to deadlines and everything between!

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Scholarships & Grants

Aid that is awarded based on several factors, including academic achievement and/or financial need. Scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid.

More about Scholarships & Grants
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Loans

Loans are borrowed money that you repay with interest to the lender. There are subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

More about Loans
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Aid for Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers educational benefits programs for eligible veterans attending college.

Learn About Veteran Benefits
Three students sitting on a brick wall on campus
Scholarships & Grants

Aid that is awarded based on several factors, including academic achievement and/or financial need. Scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid.

More About Scholarships & Grants
Student working on a laptop in front of a large window

Loans are borrowed money that you repay with interest to the lender. There are subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

More About Loans
Student leaning against a large tree trunk on campus
Aid for Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers educational benefits programs for eligible veterans attending college.

Learn About Veteran Benefits
Students at a Career Fair event
Work-Study Employment

Work-study is a need-based financial aid program that assists students by providing an opportunity to work part-time while going to school.

Learn about Work-Study

  • 100%

    of Puget Sound students receive some form of financial aid

  • Top 391

    College per Princeton Review

  • 14%

    Of undergraduates are first-generation college students
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Frequently Asked Questions

Puget Sound offers both need-based and merit-based aid for undergraduate students. Students are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply to Puget Sound. Merit scholarships are available in addition to two full tuition scholarships: the Lillis Foundation Scholarship and the Matelich Scholarship. Academic scholarship award amounts stay constant year after year, assuming eligibility criteria is met.

Student eligibility for need-based aid is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and is composed of grants, work-study employment, and loans. All eligible students seeking need-based aid should submit the FAFSA with your application. For priority consideration, we encourage applicants to file the FAFSA by the corresponding admission deadline.

Learn about financial aid

We encourage all families and students to apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA. The method of awarding financial aid is complex and is determined by many factors (such as income and household size). In addition, there are sources of aid such as Unsubsidized Stafford/Direct and PLUS loans that are available regardless of need.

Merit scholarships are available for international students. No additional application is required. Students are automatically considered for these scholarships when they apply to Puget Sound. Academic scholarship award amounts stay constant year after year, assuming eligibility criteria is met. International students can also apply for Puget Sound’s full-ride Lillis and Matelich Scholarships. We are not able to offer need-based financial aid to students with non-immigrant visas.

No. All undergraduate applicants who are admitted to Puget Sound are considered for merit scholarships and financial aid. You must complete the FAFSA to be considered for need-based financial aid.

Once Puget Sound receives FAFSA data from the U.S. Department of Education, admitted students will receive their admission decision and information about merit scholarships. The full financial aid award will be posted online and sent in the mail shortly after.

In order to remain eligible for federal, state, and university need-based financial aid, a student must continue to demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA each year. The amount of need-based financial aid a student is eligible to receive each year may vary depending on your level of financial need and/or other scholarship or grant assistance received.

Yes! You can apply both need-based and merit-based financial aid, including Puget Sound scholarships and grants, to the cost of your study abroad program. Program fees are assessed for study abroad based on the cost of individual programs relative to the cost of Puget Sound tuition, and are used to support students prior to and during their international experience. There are three program fee tiers, ranging from $300 up to $2,400, with the majority of program fees falling at the $300 tier.

No. Puget Sound is a member of NCAA Division III, which does not award athletic scholarships. Financial aid and scholarships are based on academic performance and financial need.