University of South Alabama vs. California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL with California State Polytechnic University Humboldt in Arcata, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Alabama is larger than California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 6,237 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); California State Polytechnic University Humboldt is in Arcata, CA (Remote Town setting).
• University of South Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. California State Polytechnic University Humboldt is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Alabama 19:1; California State Polytechnic University Humboldt 16:1.

University of South Alabama vs. California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama or California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt than University of South Alabama ($14,090 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 19.5% lower than at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt ($11,366 vs. $14,118).
• University of South Alabama is 22.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt (about $1,866 more per year; $10,116.00 vs. $8,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.2% higher at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt than at University of South Alabama (about $1,758 more per year; $20,850.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt (96% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State Polytechnic University Humboldt students is 15.2% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($10,748 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama or California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is the same as at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt (1080).
• Incoming University of South Alabama students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 970/1190; California State Polytechnic University Humboldt 970/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; California State Polytechnic University Humboldt 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027; California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Apr 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt (3.33).
• California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has a higher acceptance rate (98.2%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 5.9% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.

University of South Alabama vs. California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama and California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California State Polytechnic University Humboldt's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than University of South Alabama's (39%).
• Graduates from University of South Alabama earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State Polytechnic University Humboldt graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($19,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($201 vs. $253).
• More California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 45%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.