Cal Poly Humboldt
Arcata, California
Cal Poly Humboldt students enjoy an extraordinary college experience, taking small classes taught by professors who know them by name as they live and learn in one of the world’s most beautiful places—near ancient redwood forests, mountains, and beaches. Cal Poly Humboldt is located 275 miles north of San Francisco in the town of Arcata, which is recognized as one of the West’s best college towns.
Cal Poly Humboldt offers a wide array of academic choices, with 51 majors and 12 graduate programs in three Colleges. Faculty members are among the top teachers and researchers in their fields. Programs in natural resources and sciences are nationally known, while visual and performing arts are also popular areas of study. Throughout the curriculum, students find a long-standing commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Get to know Cal Poly Humboldt
College Highlights
CORE CURRICULUM
Humboldt believes it is necessary for students to build a solid foundation by exploring the connections between what they learn in the classroom and how it applies to their futures. This exploration fosters a deeper understanding of their goals and values. At Humboldt, the Core Curriculum is designed to encourage students to learn, think, and act more intentionally. The Core Curriculum is divided into different levels, each building upon the last. Ultimately, students will graduate with the necessary skills and experiences to carve out their own unique place in their local and global communities.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Cal Poly Humboldt is a hub for research and innovation. Spanning all disciplines, undergraduate research opportunities are as plentiful as they are exciting. From conducting marine research on Humboldt’s 40 year old teaching vessel, the R.V. Coral Sea, to studying sustainable energy systems with experts in the Redwoods, students can deepen their learning. Students are encouraged to collaborate with their advisors and professors to find the right research opportunities for their personal and professional interests. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs supports the development of innovative research opportunities and hands-on experiences for students of all disciplines.
STUDY ABROAD
Humboldt encourages all students to take advantage of at least one study abroad opportunity during their college career. These fun and exciting opportunities push students to become more globalized citizens while also working toward their degree. Whether it’s a shorter, faculty-led trip or an entire semester abroad, students can explore new countries, experience other cultures, and make new friends. Humboldt offers over 100 programs, so there is something for every student.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 49 | 10-19: 245 | 20-29: 328
30-39: 135 | 40-49: 98 | 50-99: 91 | 100+: 8
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 1%
Hispanic/Latinx: 35%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 3%
White, non-Hispanic: 44%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 3%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 7%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 6%
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
Cal Poly Humboldt participates in the Association of American State Colleges and Universities First-Year pilot program. As part of the project, Cal Poly Humboldt will implement proven and innovative strategies and programs, adapting them to the campus’ unique environment. The strategies focus on four areas: institutional intentionality, curriculum, faculty and staff roles, and student roles. HSU will also participate in a learning community with the other colleges and universities selected for the RFY.
CAPSTONE
Every student at Humboldt will showcase their superior research, writing, and presentation skills with a senior Capstone project. This project is a culmination of all the hard work a student has done throughout their four years at Humboldt. Capstones are within individual majors and have varying requirements. Much of the majors include research-based projects that they work on with professors throughout their bachelor’s degree.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Distance learning
Double major
Exchange student program (domestic)
Internships
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
RESIDENCE LIFE
Whether it’s an apartment nestled on the edge of a 2,500-acre Redwood forest or one of 17 themed living communities, there’s a variety of exciting places to call home. Themed community housing offers students the unique experience to live and learn for a year with like-minded individuals. Various themes include:
- Academic Intensive Living
- Colony of The Arts
- Gender-Inclusive Housing
- Global Humboldt
- Indoor Adventure
- International Living
- Klamath Connection Living
- La Comunidad
- Native American Living
LEARNING IN ACTION
The Center for Community-Based Learning fosters opportunities for students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations that matter. This experiential learning component is essential to the Humboldt experience. This symbiotic relationship between students and community partners helps students cultivate their professional skills while enriching the surrounding community. Here are some fast facts about service-learning at Humboldt:
- 1,163 students placed in Service-Learning and Academic Internship courses.
- 66 learning and Academic Internship courses
- 75,972 hours served by students
- 337 approved learning sites
- $1,932,968 worth of service to the community
SCHOOL LOCATION
Cal Poly Humboldt University is located 275 miles north of San Francisco in the town of Arcata, which is recognized as one of the West’s best college towns.
CAL POLY HUMBOLDT NCAA DIVISION II LUMBERJACKS
Men’s sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Track & Field
Women’s sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Rowing, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 88%
Undergraduates: 28%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Theme housing
Wellness housing
ACADEMIC AND CAREER ADVISING CENTER
The Center for Academic and Career Advising offers resources aimed at helping students achieve their personal and professional goals. The dedicated staff are ready to help students with individualized services to help them plan for a successful and meaningful future. All students have a career advisor based on their major who can help with career exploration; developing a résumé; and applying to jobs, internships, and graduate school. The Center also has computers available for student use, informative handouts, a career library, and the Career Clothing Closet, with free professional clothes!
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Academic GPA | Geographical residence | State residency
Important
Standardized test scores
Considered
Rigor of secondary school record
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Composite
25th Percentile: 980 | 75th Percentile: 1190
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 490 | 75th Percentile: 610
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 590
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT English
25th Percentile: 16 | 75th Percentile: 25
Tuition & Cost
Tuition (in-state): $5,738
Tuition (out-of-state): 17,618
Fees: $2,120
Room: $8,686
Board: $6,924
Contact Cal Poly Humboldt
Contact Admissions
admissions.humboldt.edu
(707) 826-4402
hsuinfo@humboldt.edu
Campus Location
1 Harpst St
Arcata, CA 95521