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#19 Best Public Universities in California

Humboldt State University Admission Requirements

Arcata, California

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Your chances of getting into Humboldt State University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

98.2%
Admission Difficulty for Humboldt State University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Easy 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Humboldt State University is 98.2%.  Its admission rate is the 103rd lowest in California.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Humboldt State University and can you get accepted?

Humboldt State University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 8,350 out of the 8,505 who applied were admitted.

Humboldt State University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.33. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 12% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Humboldt State University?

98% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Humboldt State University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.33 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1080 on the SAT
  • Score 21 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

Humboldt State University GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.33

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Humboldt State University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Humboldt State University are to have around a 3.33 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.33 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Humboldt State University accepts 98% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Humboldt State University is 3.33 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #67 in California for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Humboldt State University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.3 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted Humboldt State University students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 16.6% Good
3.75 to 3.99 14.5% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 17.3% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 15.8% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 18.2% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 13.7% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 3.7% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0.2% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Humboldt State University SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by Humboldt State University. The school has a test blind policy.

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

970-1190

Applicants Submitting SAT 

90%
SAT Scores for Humboldt State University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 490
Math 25th Percentile 480
Composite 25th Percentile 970
SAT Scores for Humboldt State University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 610
Math 75th Percentile 580
Composite 75th Percentile 1190
Average SAT Score 1080

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Humboldt State University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Humboldt State University is 1080 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 970-1190. Students who get into Humboldt State University score in the top 66 percent of all SAT test takers..  Humboldt State University ranks #51 in the state of California for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1080 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Humboldt State University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 970 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 970, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 860, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Humboldt State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1080 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1080, you have around a 98% chance of being admitted. A 1190 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 99% chance of getting in.

Humboldt State University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1190 and Above Good >99%
1080 to 1190 Avg + 98%-99%
970 to 1080 Avg - 96%-98%
860 to 970 Reach 93%-96%
Less than 860 Low <93%
Calculate My Chances 

Humboldt State University ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

17-25 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

36%
ACT Scores for Humboldt State University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 16
Math 25th Percentile 17
Composite 25th Percentile 17
ACT Scores for Humboldt State University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 24
Math 75th Percentile 24
Composite 75th Percentile 25
Average ACT Score 21

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Humboldt State University?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Humboldt State University is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 17 and 25.  The school ranks #47 in California for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 17 and score in the score in the top 69 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 13.

36 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Humboldt State University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Humboldt State University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Humboldt State University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 98% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 99% with a 25 ACT score.

Humboldt State University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
25 and Above Good >99%
21 to 25 Avg + 98%-99%
17 to 21 Avg - 96%-98%
13 to 17 Reach 93%-96%
Less than 13 Low <93%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

71% of Humboldt State University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 31% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Humboldt State University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 5%
Top 25% of class 31%
Top 50% of class 71%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Humboldt State University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 5,080 3,425 8,505
Accepted 4,984 3,366 8,350
Acceptance Rate 98% 98% 98%
Enrolled 542 419 961
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 11% 12% 12%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Apr 30, 2025

Days left to Apply

126

Applicants have 126 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Apr 30, 2025.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Humboldt State University is $70.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Humboldt State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Humboldt State University Application Requirements
Test Scores Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Humboldt State University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Humboldt State University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.33 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1080 and ACT of 21 will almost guarantee your admission.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Humboldt State University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=115755 IPEDS survey data for Humboldt State University.

Last updated February 24, 2024