About

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

polytechnic universityopen access admissionsnorthern california campusenvironmental focusbiology and sciences emphasis

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is a public university in Arcata, CA, known for its polytechnic university, open access admissions, and northern california campus. With an acceptance rate of 98%, Cal Poly Humboldt is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 961 students each year. Cal Poly Humboldt is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1040–1273, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Cal Poly Humboldt offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $10,250 per year; the sticker price of $36,698 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

98%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
1157
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1040 – 1273 (test optional)

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Cal Poly Humboldt admits nearly all applicants, so your GPA and completed A-G coursework are the real gatekeepers here. Make sure your transcript shows you finished the required high school subject pattern without gaps, because that matters far more than test scores or essays at this school.
Extracurriculars
Cal Poly Humboldt has built its identity around environmental science, sustainability, and natural resources, so highlight any extracurriculars, jobs, or volunteer work connected to the outdoors, ecology, conservation, or social environmental justice. Even local or informal experience like trail maintenance or community gardening is worth mentioning.

Get a tailored strategy for California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

Build My Free List →

Financial Aid & Cost

What California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$37k/yr$8.5k
30k-48k~$37k/yr$8.8k
48k-75k~$37k/yr$11.1k
75k-110k~$37k/yr$15.6k
110k+~$37k/yr$22.2k

Not sure what California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

47%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$37k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
4,942
Undergrad Enrollment
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch