PublicTownCalifornia State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Cal Poly Humboldt
Arcata, California 95521-8299
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Excellent value
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is a public institution in Arcata with particular strength in psychology and biology.
A mid-sized campus of 5.5K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
47% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $47,626 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $13,167.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Founders Hall Humboldt State Normal School was established as a teacher's college on June 16, 1913, by California governor Hiram Johnson.
- •It was one of about 180 institutions founded by state governments to train teachers for the rapidly growing public schools.
- •It opened on April 6, 1914, before construction at the location was complete, in the former Arcata Grammar School building, with 78 students enrolled and 5 faculty members teaching.
- •In 1924, during the presidency of Ralph Waldo Swetman, the Associated Students and the Alumni Association were organized and The Foghorn, the first student newspaper, was published.
Source: Wikipedia
Schools Like This
University of California-San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Urban · Public
California State University-Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA · Suburban · Public
University of Massachusetts Global
Aliso Viejo, CA · Suburban · Public
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA · Suburban · Public
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
63.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,500
Programs (70)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
76%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
34
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average