Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger ProgramsPublicHSI
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
6-yr Graduation
49%
-7.5pp vs Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
Total enrollment
6,237
peer median 20,528
Avg net price
$13,167
+$2.6k vs Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
Use this data
About
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt is a public university in Arcata, California. It is one of three polytechnic universities in the California State University (CSU) system and the northernmost campus in the system.
Admissions & acceptance rate
First-time freshman admissions: how selective the college is, and how many admitted students choose to enroll.
Applied
15,725
15,725 candidates competed
Admitted
15,442
98.2% acceptance rate
Enrolled
909
5.9% yield
Graduation rate & outcomes
Completion, retention, and the equity gap between Pell and non-Pell students.
Overall completion
49%-7.5pp vs Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
Overall completion
49%-7.5pp vs Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
4-year graduation
26%
4-year graduation
26%
6-year graduation (bachelor’s)
49%
6-year graduation (bachelor’s)
49%
Full-time retention
76%
Full-time retention
76%
Pell equity
11.0pp gap
Pell recipients
43%
Non-Pell
54%
Non-Pell students graduate at a 11.0-point higher rate than Pell recipients.
Program outcomes
Federal Program Performance Data: how each program's graduate earnings and debt measure up under Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment.
Of 80 Title IV programs, 33 pass the federal Gainful Employment test and 2 fail. 45 have graduate earnings too small to publish, so they carry no pass/fail verdict.
Total programs
80
Passing
33
41.3% of portfolio
Failing (GE)
2
2.5% of portfolio
Fail rate
2.5%
+1.9pp vs 0.6% national
Pass / fail distribution
80programs
- Passing33 · 41.2%
- No Data45 · 56.2%
- Failing2 · 2.5%
Severity spectrum
Critical
1
Severe
0
Recoverable
1
At Risk
2
Watch
9
Safe
22
No data
45
Tiers band programs by how far graduate earnings sit above or below the benchmark, from Critical (below −15%) through Safe (above +25%). No data means earnings were privacy-suppressed.
Earnings premium gap
Graduate earnings versus the federal benchmark, worst gaps first.
Program
Typical
Benchmark
EP gap
Business Administration Management and Operations
Master's Degree · Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services
$45,995
$66,899
National Same-Field BA Median
-31.2%
−$20,904
Business Administration Management and Operations
Master's Degree · Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services
-31.2%
$45,995 vs $66,899
Fine and Studio Arts
Bachelor Degree · Visual And Performing Arts
$34,812
$36,082
Same-State HS Median
-3.5%
−$1,270
Fine and Studio Arts
Bachelor Degree · Visual And Performing Arts
-3.5%
$34,812 vs $36,082
Zoology/Animal Biology
Bachelor Degree · Biological And Biomedical Sciences
$38,495
$36,082
Same-State HS Median
+6.7%
+$2,413
Zoology/Animal Biology
Bachelor Degree · Biological And Biomedical Sciences
+6.7%
$38,495 vs $36,082
Journalism
Bachelor Degree · Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs
$39,178
$36,082
Same-State HS Median
+8.6%
+$3,096
Journalism
Bachelor Degree · Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs
+8.6%
$39,178 vs $36,082
Parks Recreation and Leisure Studies
Bachelor Degree · Parks, Recreation, Leisure, And Fitness Studies
$40,566
$36,082
Same-State HS Median
+12.4%
+$4,484
Parks Recreation and Leisure Studies
Bachelor Degree · Parks, Recreation, Leisure, And Fitness Studies
+12.4%
$40,566 vs $36,082
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Bachelor Degree · English Language And Literature/Letters
$41,105
$36,082
Same-State HS Median
+13.9%
+$5,023
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Bachelor Degree · English Language And Literature/Letters
+13.9%
$41,105 vs $36,082
Anthropology
Bachelor Degree · Social Sciences
$41,464
$36,082
Same-State HS Median
+14.9%
+$5,382
Anthropology
Bachelor Degree · Social Sciences
+14.9%
$41,464 vs $36,082
Political Science and Government
Bachelor Degree · Social Sciences
$41,994
$36,082
Same-State HS Median
+16.4%
+$5,912
Political Science and Government
Bachelor Degree · Social Sciences
+16.4%
$41,994 vs $36,082
Near the line (±5%)
Programs within five points of the pass line, one cohort year from flipping.
Program
EP gap
Status
Fine and Studio Arts
Bachelor Degree · Visual And Performing Arts
-3.5%
−$1,270
Just failing
Debt vs earnings
Median completer debt against median graduate earnings, highest burden first.
Program
Median debt
Median earnings
Debt burden
Fine and Studio Arts
Bachelor Degree · Visual And Performing Arts
$17,751
$34,812
51%
Fine and Studio Arts
Bachelor Degree · Visual And Performing Arts
$17,751 debt · $34,812 earn
Psychology General
Master's Degree · Psychology
$40,452
$79,429
51%
Psychology General
Master's Degree · Psychology
$40,452 debt · $79,429 earn
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
Bachelor Degree · Natural Resources And Conservation
$25,614
$50,525
51%
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
Bachelor Degree · Natural Resources And Conservation
$25,614 debt · $50,525 earn
Botany/Plant Biology
Bachelor Degree · Biological And Biomedical Sciences
$21,500
$42,743
50%
Botany/Plant Biology
Bachelor Degree · Biological And Biomedical Sciences
$21,500 debt · $42,743 earn
Zoology/Animal Biology
Bachelor Degree · Biological And Biomedical Sciences
$17,500
$38,495
46%
Zoology/Animal Biology
Bachelor Degree · Biological And Biomedical Sciences
$17,500 debt · $38,495 earn
Political Science and Government
Bachelor Degree · Social Sciences
$18,875
$41,994
45%
Political Science and Government
Bachelor Degree · Social Sciences
$18,875 debt · $41,994 earn
Business Administration Management and Operations
Master's Degree · Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services
$20,353
$45,995
44%
Business Administration Management and Operations
Master's Degree · Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services
$20,353 debt · $45,995 earn
Journalism
Bachelor Degree · Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs
$16,806
$39,178
43%
Journalism
Bachelor Degree · Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs
$16,806 debt · $39,178 earn
Accreditation status & history
Who accredits the institution, current standing, and any past actions.
AccreditedInstitutional accreditor
WASC Senior College and University Commission
Accredited since 1949Next review Jun 2026
Programmatic accreditations · 4
Action history · 5
- Jan 2026Grant Substantive Change: ProgramWASC Senior College and University Commission
- Mar 2020Grant Substantive Change: DegreeWASC Senior College and University Commission
- Jun 2018Renewal of AccreditationWASC Senior College and University Commission
- Aug 2014Change in Agency recognitionNational Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation · Art and Design (ART) - Degree-granting schools and departments and non-degree-granting programs
- Aug 2014Change in Agency recognitionNational Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation · Music (MUS) - Institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting and/or non-degree-granting programs
Tuition & cost
What families actually pay, broken down by family income.
Net price by family income
Aid exceeds costFamily pays
Negative values mean aid exceeds the published cost of attendance for that income band.
Avg net price
$13,167
+$2,636vs Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs median $10,531
Federal loans
37.1%
In-state tuition
$7,913
Out-of-state
$19,793
Federal aid volume & trends
Pell grants and federal Direct Loan volume disbursed to students, and how they've trended.
In AY 2024–25, 2,758 students received $16.4M in Pell grants, alongside $17.8M in federal Direct Loans.
Pell recipients
2,758
AY 2024–25
Pell disbursed
$16.4M
$16,364,318 total
Direct Loans
$17.8M
3,251 loan awards
Pell recipients · 5-year trend
3k’20
3k’21
3k’22
3k’23
3k’24
Loan volume by type · AY 2024–25
Subsidized$5.9M
1,451 loan awards
Unsubsidized · UG$6.3M
1,427 loan awards
Unsubsidized · Grad$3.1M
204 loan awards
Parent PLUS$2.4M
160 loan awards
Grad PLUS$64K
9 loan awards
Loan awards count each loan type a student holds, not unique borrowers; one student may carry several (e.g. subsidized and unsubsidized), so the per-type figures are the reliable detail.
Student loan default rate
The share of student borrowers who default on federal loans within three years, against the national benchmark.
Of 2,121 borrowers who entered repayment, 63 (2.9%) defaulted within three years — above the 2.3% national rate.
Default rate
2.9%
+0.6pp vs 2.3% national
Borrowers in repayment
2,121
Defaulted
63
Measurement window
3 years
Federal CDR standard
Default rate vs national, by cohort
2016
7.4%-1.9
2017
8.2%-1.0
2018
5.9%-1.1
2019
2.9%+0.6
2020*
0.0%
This institutionNational rate
* Cohorts 2020 and later read near 0% because the federal COVID-19 payment pause (CARES Act) suspended defaults nationwide. These years reflect a national policy, not institutional performance; the 2019 cohort is the last measured under normal repayment.
Academic programs at Humboldt
Top program areas ranked by completions.
Distinct CIP programs62
UndergraduateOffered
GraduateOffered
Top program families by completions
1,261 total completions
01Natural Resources
30624.3%
01Natural Resources
30624.3%
02Biological Sciences
17814.1%
02Biological Sciences
17814.1%
03Psychology
16012.7%
03Psychology
16012.7%
04Social Sciences
13310.5%
04Social Sciences
13310.5%
05Business
997.9%
05Business
997.9%
06Public Admin
967.6%
06Public Admin
967.6%
07Visual/Performing Arts
947.5%
07Visual/Performing Arts
947.5%
08Parks/Recreation
745.9%
08Parks/Recreation
745.9%
09Multi/Interdisciplinary
695.5%
09Multi/Interdisciplinary
695.5%
10English Language
524.1%
10English Language
524.1%
Enrollment trends & demographics
Fall headcount, 12-month unduplicated enrollment, and student body composition.
Fall total
6,237
12-mo unduplicated
6,780
Undergraduate
6,136
Graduate
644
Gender split
Men
43%2,911
Women
57%3,869
Race / ethnicity composition
White
51.0%
Hispanic
29.7%
Two or more
7.3%
Unknown
4.6%
Asian
3.1%
Black
2.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native
1.2%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.3%
Non-resident
0.3%
Athletics & Title IX gender equity
How athletic participation, aid, and spending are split between men and women.
Athletes
271
93 M · 178 W
Women athletes
65.7%
Athletic aid
$1.6M
Total student aid
Budget
$7.9M
Total expenses
Men vs women · spending splits
Athletic student aid
$668K
$951K
Recruiting expense
$45K
$91K
Head-coach salaries
$81K
$93K
Men Women
Sport-by-sport · 9
Sport
Men
Women
Expenses
Track and Field (Indoor)
48
26
$373,174
Track and Field (Indoor)
48 M · 26 W
Track and Field (Outdoor)
48
26
$373,173
Track and Field (Outdoor)
48 M · 26 W
Soccer
28
32
$1,043,356
Soccer
28 M · 32 W
Rowing
—
48
$740,722
Rowing
— · 48 W
Basketball
16
16
$1,162,878
Basketball
16 M · 16 W
Cross Country
22
10
$381,597
Cross Country
22 M · 10 W
Campus safety & crime statistics
Reported on-campus crimes over the last three years, including violence and hate crimes.
Criminal offenses · per 1,000 students
4.15
25 offenses · 6,025 students
3-year trend
1.812 yrs ago5.591 yr ago4.15Latest
Offenses · 3-yr
70
Last three years
VAWA · 3-yr
25
DV, dating, stalking
Hate crimes · 3-yr
1
Res-hall fires · 3-yr
6
Criminal offenses by type
Burglary
10
Rape
7
Arson
2
Robbery
2
Fondling
2
Aggravated assault
1
Motor vehicle theft
1
By location
25total
- On campus23
- Non-campus1
- Public property1
Includes 9 in residence halls (a subset of on-campus, not added to the total).
VAWA offenses
2
Domestic violence
0
Dating violence
16
Stalking
18 total under the Violence Against Women Act.
Hate crimes by bias
- Disability1
Arrests vs disciplinary referrals
CategoryArrestsReferrals
Weapons31
Drugs581
Liquor00
Residence-hall fires
- Trinity Hall1 fireOtherDamage $0-$99
- Shasta Hall1 fireOpen flamesDamage $25,000-$49,999
Data quality: 5 reports were later determined unfounded across the reporting period and are excluded from the totals above.
Student-faculty ratio
Student-to-faculty ratio and instructional staff counts.
Student-to-faculty
16.0:1
Instructional staff (full-time equivalent)
264
Humboldt vs Peer comparison
The peer institutions Humboldt selected for federal comparison reporting.
This institutionPeer median
A larger shape on any axis means this institution outperforms its peers on that dimension. For acceptance rate and net price, lower raw values are inverted so "more selective" and "more affordable" appear larger.
| Carnegie | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SubjectCalifornia State Polytechnic University-Humboldt | 49% | — | 6,237 | $13,167 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 86% | 31.3% | 23,069 | $15,624 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | 68% | 75.2% | 27,636 | $11,580 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California State University-Bakersfield | 50% | 93.9% | 10,419 | $5,825 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California State University-Channel Islands | 51% | 94.8% | 5,592 | $9,792 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Small Programs |
California State University-Chico | 63% | 92.7% | 15,257 | $14,838 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California State University-Dominguez Hills | 43% | 93.3% | 15,182 | $3,659 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California State University-East Bay | 48% | 97.4% | 12,326 | $11,276 | R2 Research |
California State University-Fresno | 57% | 95.3% | 24,427 | $6,480 | R2 Research |
California State University-Fullerton | 70% | 90.5% | 43,662 | $5,646 | R2 Research |
California State University-Long Beach | 69% | 46.3% | 42,003 | $8,931 | R2 Research |
California State University-Los Angeles | 53% | 91.3% | 23,163 | $4,113 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California State University-Monterey Bay | 59% | 97.4% | 7,713 | $14,487 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California State University-Northridge | 57% | 93.4% | 38,313 | $7,599 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California State University-Sacramento | 56% | 94.0% | 31,943 | $10,512 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California State University-San Bernardino | 55% | 93.7% | 18,492 | $5,918 | R2 Research |
California State University-San Marcos | 55% | 95.1% | 16,237 | $10,550 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
California State University-Stanislaus | 53% | 98.1% | 9,724 | $5,671 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
San Diego State University | 76% | 36.2% | 41,137 | $16,174 | R2 Research |
San Francisco State University | 50% | 96.4% | 22,563 | $12,882 | R2 Research |
San Jose State University | 69% | 84.6% | 37,661 | $13,741 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
Sonoma State University | 58% | 93.4% | 5,891 | $13,801 | Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs |
| Peer group median | 56% | 93.4% | 20,528 | $10,531 |
Humboldt Institutional Research office
The IR team responsible for the institution's federal reporting.
Office
Institutional Research, Analytics, and Reporting
Reports to Reporting to the Chief Information Officer
Email
irar [at] humboldt.edu
Phone
707-826-5338
Address
1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521
We strive to provide you with quick and easy access to the information you need to make data-informed decisions.
Visit IR office pageTeam
9 members
- Michael "Data" LeDirector, Institutional Research, Analytics, and Reporting
- Michael LeDirector, Institutional Research, Analytics, and Reporting
- Matthew KoellingAnalyst/Programmer
- Gay HyltonResearch Analyst
- Jeff StebbinsAnalyst/Programmer
- Sky McKinleyAnalyst/Programmer
- Seth BradleyResearch Analyst
- Stephanie SouterResearch Analyst
- Steven MargellResearch Analyst
Common Data Set (12)
The institution's official annual Common Data Set publications — the most detailed reference for enrollment, admissions, and outcomes.
Reports & documents (5)
Dashboards, factbooks, data dictionaries, and other reference material published by the IR office.
- Data definitionGot Data?The 'Got Data?' page at Cal Poly Humboldt provides access to a variety of data tools and reports related to university admissions, enrollment, and student outcomes. It includes links to Fast Facts, Tableau Cloud, historical enrollment data, and other resources aimed at improving data access and analysis for decision-making and academic purposes.humboldt.edu
- Data dictionaryODD fields - Data Dictionary for On-Demand-Datasets2018This data dictionary provides a comprehensive list of terms and definitions used in On-Demand datasets at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. It covers key aspects such as academic standing, admission processes, financial aid, course details, student demographics, and performance metrics. The terms provide insights into the students' educational journey, including grades, major details, cohort information, financial status, and other attributes important for institutional reporting and analysis. This resource is essential for accurately interpreting and utilizing the university's data for decision making and assessment.pine.humboldt.edu
- DFR reportIPEDS Data Feedback Report 20242024nces.ed.gov
- GlossaryHumboldt IRAR Data GlossaryThe Humboldt IRAR Data Glossary provides definitions for data elements and abbreviations used by Institutional Research, Analysis, and Reporting at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. It includes terms related to academic structures, classifications, enrollment, and various descriptive data fields necessary for institutional data use and reporting.humboldt.edu
- Strategic plan2021-2026 Strategic Plan: A bold vision for the future of Cal Poly Humboldt2021The 2021-2026 Strategic Plan for Cal Poly Humboldt sets out a bold vision focused on enhancing academic excellence, promoting inclusive and diverse environments, and ensuring a sustainable future. Signed by President Tom Jackson, Jr., the plan emphasizes interdisciplinary study, community collaboration, and holistic student success. With a framework built on creativity, equity, and sustainability, the plan aims to prepare the university to thrive amidst future challenges while honoring its commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement.humboldt.edu
Grants & funding (1)
Federal grant awards and open funding opportunities awarded to this institution.
Notable alumni of Humboldt (10)
A curated list of alumni recognized for notable achievements across industries.
- Raymond CarverLiterature
- Stephen HillenburgAnimation
- Bob BeersPolitics
- Jason CongerPolitics
- Anne BredonMusic
- Timothy Lang Sr.
- Marla SpivakEntomology
- Dan ConoverAthletics
- Clinton McKinnonMusic
- Chuck SmeadAthletics
Frequently asked questions about California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Quick answers to the questions most often asked about Humboldt.
What is the graduation rate at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt reports a 6-year graduation rate of 49% per the latest IPEDS.
How many students attend California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt reports a total enrollment of 6,237 students per the latest IPEDS.
What is the average net price at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
The average net price at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is $13,167 per the latest College Scorecard. Net price is the published cost of attendance minus grant aid.
What is the yield rate at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's yield rate is 5.9%, the share of admitted students who enrolled, per the latest IPEDS.
Where is California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt located?
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is located in Arcata, California 95521-8299.
Who runs Institutional Research at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's IR work is done by the Institutional Research, Analytics, and Reporting, which reports to Reporting to the Chief Information Officer.
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