The earned national distinctions for the 2025–26 academic year, securing recognition as a College of Distinction, a Business College of Distinction, and a College of Distinction for Career Development. These honors highlight the university’s commitment to student-centered education, professional preparation, and post-graduate success.
“This recognition illustrates the importance of the student support structures and opportunities for hands-on learning that are hallmarks of the Puget Sound experience,” said President Isiaah Crawford. “Our faculty do more than teach — they mentor, inspire, and open doors. Our graduates leave here ready to excel in their careers and make a difference in their communities.”
Puget Sound was recognized as a College of Distinction for its transformative approach to undergraduate learning, emphasizing engaged students, great teaching, a vibrant community, and successful outcomes. The university integrates high-impact practices such as first-year seminars, collaborative projects, undergraduate research, and global learning, fostering an environment where students thrive academically and personally.
“Puget Sound has crafted a campus culture where students take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Its programs reflect innovation and intentionality, preparing students for life after graduation.”
Business College of Distinction
The university’s School of Business and Leadership earned recognition for its dynamic, ethics-driven curriculum that blends classroom theory with real-world application. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, consulting projects, and networking opportunities while prioritizing corporate responsibility and leadership development. The program offers majors in business administration, international business, and a distinctive Business Leadership Program — a four-year, cohort-based honors program focused on leadership, academic excellence, and professional growth.
“The School of Business and Leadership excels by leaning into the interests of its students and faculty — and encouraging everyone to explore how organizational concepts apply in wildly diverse settings, thus embracing our liberal arts orientation,” said Lynnette Claire, professor and business leadership program director. “At Puget Sound, you might study law in the fashion industry, marketing in the food industry, or entrepreneurship in the arts. We embraced experiential learning before it was ‘the thing’ to do, with field trips to explore data analytics, an investment club that manages its own portfolio of real money, and the opportunity to engage with local businesses and nonprofits to build strategic plans.”
Career Development Distinction
The university’s comprehensive career support earned it the Career Development badge, recognizing its commitment to post-graduate success. Puget Sound’s Career & Employment Services (CES) supports students at every stage — from orientation onward—with career exploration, 24/7 online tools, one-on-one advising, and personalized guidance to align their academic and professional goals. Services include resume workshops, interview preparation, mentorship programs, and employer connections.
“It is essential that students engage in career exploration and planning beginning their first year of college,” said Lisa Garza, CES director. “CES has worked this year to communicate the message ‘It's never too early’ to students and the greater campus community, along with initiatives introducing career readiness competencies and a brand new Faculty Career Champion program. All of this, coupled with the Logger experiential learning requirement, helps to ensure that Puget Sound students graduate career-ready."
These accolades underscore Puget Sound’s dedication to academic rigor, experiential learning, and career readiness, ensuring graduates leave prepared to make an impact in their fields and communities. For more information, visit .
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit .
