Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Arcata, California |
| Online | humboldt.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Humboldt State University, located in Arcata on California's North Coast, sits amid ancient redwood forests approximately 270 miles north of San Francisco. The 144-acre main campus features a mix of contemporary and historic buildings nestled between Arcata Bay and forested hillsides, providing direct access to natural laboratories and research areas. Established in 1913 as a teachers' college, HSU has evolved into a comprehensive public institution known for its environmental science, forestry, wildlife management, and marine biology programs. The university operates several unique facilities, including a marine laboratory in Trinidad, an observatory, and a 385-acre forest used for research and instruction. Most first-year students live in one of the six residence halls on campus, while the university's location offers students opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental research in the surrounding ecosystems.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Humboldt State University is rated within the lower 38% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Humboldt State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#831 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#309 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#50 in Best Colleges in California
#19 in Best Public Colleges in California
#123 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 970/1190 |
| ACT | 17/25 |
| GPA | 3.33 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Apr 30, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,090 |
| Other Fees | $2,122 |
| Room and Board | $12,540 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,362 |
| Total One Year Cost | $24,856 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,090 |
| Other Fees | $2,122 |
| Room and Board | $12,540 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,362 |
| Total One Year Cost | $36,736 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation | 12% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 11% |
| Social Sciences | 10% |
| Biology | 9% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 8% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Humboldt State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=115755 IPEDS survey data for Humboldt State University.
Current students may use the Humboldt State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024