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Arcata , CA
California Polytechnic University, Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt) is a public university located in Arcata, California. Established in 1914, Cal Poly Humboldt is part of the renowned California State University (CSU) system. The university is well-known for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning, engineering, and agriculture programs.
Cal Poly Humboldt offers a wide range of academic programs across six colleges: College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Natural Resources & Sciences, College of Professional Studies, College of Education & Early Childhood Studies, College of Extended Education & Global Engagement, and College of Extended & International Education. The university prides itself on its innovative curriculum, which blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience through its signature "Learn by Doing" approach.
The campus of Cal Poly Humboldt is nestled in the midst of the breathtaking redwood forests on California's North Coast. With its idyllic location, the university provides numerous opportunities for students to explore the natural beauty of the area and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Cal Poly Humboldt's commitment to sustainability is evident in its campus practices, academic programs, and research initiatives, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious students. Overall, Cal Poly Humboldt offers a unique learning experience that combines academic rigor with a rich natural environment, preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
California Polytechnic University, Humboldt is a public comprehensive higher education institution located in Arcata, CA and set in a rural environment. This institution follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 91%. The freshman retention rate at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt is 76% and the six-year graduation rate is 49%.
For transfer students, the application deadline is November 31.
Read more about what you can expect if you get into California Polytechnic University, Humboldt.
Quick Facts
5,474
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
49%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you know as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission, you can make a better judgment about your eligibility and boost your chances of getting accepted. Here are the most relevant data you need to know about admission policy and requirements at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt.
According to the most recent data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 15,358 in 2025. California Polytechnic University, Humboldt has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores for the candidates who choose to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is relatively easy to get into.
Test Scores
12.21% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 1.54% submitted ACT scores, out of the overall number of those who submitted test scores. 4.5% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 37.84% between 1,200 and 1,399, 34.23% between 1,000 and 1,199, 18.02% of the students between 800 and 999, and 5.41% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of new students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 30.77, 46.15 between 24-29 and 23.08 in the range between 18-23.
The average ACT score for all the accepted students in 2025 was 27 and the average GPA was 3.42. Therefore, the chances are that you'll need a GPA higher than the average for acceptance, and the same goes for your ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 583 for the newly enrolled students, while the average SAT Math score was 544. If you are applying for a transfer, the application deadline is November 31.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is the percentage of college or university first-year students who return for their sophomore year. This piece of data is important as it can reveal to the prospective students how many freshmen liked the school enough to return to it as sophomores.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for California Polytechnic University, Humboldt was 76%, reflecting the superb quality of the educational programs at this institution.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this school is 49%.
Student Body
Picking a school that is the right place for you is not a simple task. You can get a better insight into a school's culture and life by finding out more about its student body.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the school had an enrollment of 6,045 students.
That year, the school had an out-of-state student body percentage of 6.35. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 5,474, 35 of which were international students. 848 students were accepted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 2,309 male and 2,846 female full-time students in 2025, which is indicative of the value gender equality has at this school.
Student Population Diversity
The significance of student diversity cannnot be denied, when it comes to the overall feeling of inclusion and beloning among the students of any school. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
This school had 201 Asian students and 194 Afro-American students in 2025. 1,086 undergrads at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 565 identified with more than one race. The school also had 40 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 162 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 143 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before submitting an application to any college or university, the financial component should be taken into consideration. The latest information on the expenses that most students at this school incur are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
If you were wondering how much the tuition cost for California Polytechnic University, Humboldt is, here are some recent data that will come in handy.
For local residents, public county and municipal institutions reported that tuition costs were $6,084. Tuition fees were $18,684 for students coming from a different state. Tuition costs at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt for international students amounted to $18,684. Full-time students in 2025 were obliged to pay additional fees in the amount of $2,312.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $18,684 | $2,312 | $20,996 |
| In-State | $6,084 | $2,312 | $8,396 |
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to think about the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. Most students have to allocate about $870 for books and supplies during their time at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. How much do room and board fees average around at colleges and universities?
The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt was $13,438 in 2025. If you only needed a room on the campus, it cost $7,322 for the 2025 academic year.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 6,084 |
| Room and Board | $ 13,438 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 870 |
| Total Expense | $ 20,392 |
Financial Aid
Financial support for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. If you are interested in finding out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt, here are some recent data you should consider.
The most recent figures show that financial help was given to 483 freshmen. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $18,593.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
There were 2,793 students who obtained need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt isn't available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need ended up being 3,196. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $15,293,756, and state $7,845,660. The students of California Polytechnic University, Humboldt received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $11,357,267, and external in the amount of $1,736,887.
$1,080
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
56 students, including freshmen, obtained institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this school in 2025. 5 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $236,996. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $610,888 USD.
Majors
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some information about students' life at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt.
Student Organizations
Exploring a variety of student organizations can contribute to a more vibrant and rewarding educational experience.
There are 140 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. This number includes sororities and fraternities. 1 percent of male and 1 of female students are participants in different organizations at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt. Those who have a talent for music can join the California Polytechnic University, Humboldt band. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. For individuals with an interest in media and communication, California Polytechnic University, Humboldt publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
California Polytechnic University, Humboldt has a number of services necessary for a pleasant and secure life on campus.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. Dormitory entrances at the school are electronically operated. There is a security patrol that operates 24 hours a day. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of California Polytechnic University, Humboldt.
All in all, campus life at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt.
Career Counselling
At California Polytechnic University, Humboldt, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library and job fairs. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students.
FAQ
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California Polytechnic University, Humboldt is located in Arcata, CA.
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California Polytechnic University, Humboldt doesn't offer need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for California Polytechnic University, Humboldt is 91%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for California Polytechnic University, Humboldt is 76%.
Contact Information
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
1 Harpst Street
Arcata , CA
95521-8299
707 826-3011
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
