California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Cal Poly Humboldt is a public polytechnic university in Arcata, California, in the redwood forests of the North Coast. It specializes in environmental science, natural resources, and sustainability. The campus is known for its remote, nature-oriented setting.
Founded
1913
Location
Arcata, California
Students
6,188
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
98.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
48.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,250
Out-of-state: $20,850
Avg Net Price
$13,171
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$47,626
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt accepts the majority of applicants at 98.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
76%
4-Year Grad
20%
6-Year Grad
48%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
51.8%
$/Student
$18.1K
Class Size
Medium
The 20% graduation rate is below average, but 76% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,250
In-State
$20,850
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,118
Books & Supplies
$870
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,170
After Financial Aid
$13,171
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,483
Receive Grants
42.9%
Take Loans
33.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $25,170/yr for in-state students, including $14,118 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,171. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,850.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt fund their education.
While in School
42.9%
Get Grants
Free money
33.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$26,596
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$191/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33.8% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.
Gender
54.4%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,612
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
576
Graduates
44.1%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
22.7%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 44.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
5,612
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt fields 9 varsity teams with 337 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
California
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track and Field (Outdoor)
Student Athletes
337
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
47% / 53%
159
Men
178
Women
5
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California State Polytechnic University-Humboldtearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,626
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$28K
153 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$30K
120 grads
1yr Earnings
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
$26K
98 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$37K
91 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$33K
85 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Work
$36K
66 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $48K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
What is the acceptance rate at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?▾
How much does California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?▾
How much do California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.