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Cal Poly Humboldt

Arcata, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 27,912
  • Tuition Fee From$ 2,800
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength6,431
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

Cal Poly Humboldt, officially known as California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt, is a public university located in Arcata, California. Founded in 1913, it is one of the 23 campuses in the California State University system. Cal Poly Humboldt is situated on the picturesque North Coast of California, where it enjoys a unique natural setting amid the ancient Redwood forests and along the stunning Pacific Ocean shoreline.

 

Cal Poly Humboldt courses offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. Its academic offerings are diverse and include programs in natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, arts, and more. These programs are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education while also allowing them to specialise in their chosen fields. For years, Humboldt has been a place where students come to explore their potential, define their futures, and become the innovators of tomorrow. The academic programs at Humboldt go beyond traditional studies; they provide exciting journeys where you grapple with fundamental questions about humanity, explore the dynamics of society, and tackle cutting-edge sustainability challenges. 

 

Being a student at Cal Poly Humboldt means more than just attending classes; it means becoming part of a creative, passionate, and inclusive community where inspiration can be found in everything, and motivation drives every endeavour. While your journey at Humboldt may begin in a classroom, following it will take you to exciting places.

 

Ranking

Cal Poly Humboldt ranking in various categories reflects its standing in the higher education landscape. Cal Poly Humboldt is ranked 32nd in the category of Regional Universities West. This ranking places it among the top institutions in the western region of the United States. Ranking also highlights its commitment to providing a quality education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. These rankings reflect Cal Poly Humboldt's strong position among regional universities in the western United States, its reputation as a top public school, and its commitment to delivering a high-quality education that provides excellent value to its students.

 

Rankings according to the US News and World Reports 2024 are as follows: 

 

  • Regional Universities West (Rank #32)
  • Top Public Schools (Rank #15)
  • Best Value Schools (Rank #30)

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2025

#1401

-

2023

-

-

Facilities

Cal Poly Humboldt facilities are truly exceptional. Among these notable resources is a fully-equipped marine laboratory, and just a bit further south in Eureka, you'll find our research vessel, the 90-foot RV Coral Sea, stationed at its home port. These facilities are actively used for undergraduate instruction, special projects, and research endeavours.

 

For students pursuing art studies at Humboldt, there are expansive and well-appointed studio spaces available. These encompass the largest metal-casting foundry on the West Coast, a spacious 8,500-square-foot ceramics facility, a state-of-the-art computer laboratory, photographic darkrooms, and extensive studios for sculpture and painting. Flourish in the heart of the campus.  Some of the facilities are:

 

  • Student Recreation Centre 
  • Club Sports
  • Housing and Dining
  • Human Performance Lab 
  • Humboldt Library
  • Language Lab 

Notable Alumni

Dean L. Bresciani
Dean L. Bresciani
Former president of North Dakota State University
Stephen Hillenburg
Stephen Hillenburg
American animator
Jenny Scheinman
Jenny Scheinman
Jazz musician

Courses

Admission

Cal Poly Humboldt acceptance rate


Cal Poly Humboldt's acceptance rate is characterised by a relatively high level of inclusivity, with an acceptance rate of 90%. This means that a significant percentage of applicants are admitted. Typically, students who are successful in gaining admission to California State Polytechnic University Humboldt tend to have ACT scores falling within the range of 21 to 24. For prospective applicants, it's important to note that the regular application deadline for Cal Poly Humboldt is on April 30th, providing them with a clear timeframe for submitting their applications.

 

Cal Poly Humboldt Entry Requirements

 

The Cal Poly Humboldt entry requirements for first-time freshmen necessitate that they have, at the very least, the equivalent of completing secondary school in their home country (such as GCE with 5 'O' levels and 2 'A' levels, Maturity Certificates, Abitur, etc.), which grants them eligibility for university-level studies in their country of origin. Alternatively, they should have graduated from a U.S. high school. Additionally, all applicants are mandated to possess a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5, which will be computed by the Center for International Programs. As part of the application, candidates must also furnish one official transcript along with their diploma or graduation certificate if applicable. These are the Cal Poly Humboldt entry requirements for prospective first-year students.

 

Undergraduate Entry Requirements:

  • Application Fee: $70 
  • Financial Support Documentation: Applicants must provide certification of their financial support.
  • Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts of academic records are necessary.
  • English Proficiency Proof: Evidence of English proficiency is required.
  • Passport Copy: A photocopy of the applicant's passport is needed.
  • Release of Information: A signed Student Consent for Release of Information can be emailed to international@humboldt.edu or sent by mail to Cal Poly Humboldt, Center for International Programs, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521-8299, USA.

 

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

  • Minimum GPA Requirement: Applicants should have achieved a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 in their earned baccalaureate degree.
  • Recent Academic Performance: A GPA of at least 2.75 is required for the last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) attempted.
  • Submission of Official Transcripts: All applicants to master's programs must provide official transcripts from accredited institutions they have attended.
  • Department-Specific Requirements: Master's applicants should reach out directly to their respective graduate departments for information on specific requirements, additional documents, and application deadlines.
  • Dual Admission Criteria: Master's applicants need to meet admission criteria established by both their major department and the Center for International Programs.

 

Cal Poly Humboldt fees

The Cal Poly Humboldt fees for international students mandate full-time enrollment, which translates to 12 units per semester for undergraduates and 9 units per semester for graduate students. In addition to tuition, there are other associated expenses such as textbooks, school supplies, medical insurance, housing, meals, and miscellaneous costs. These estimated annual expenses must be demonstrated by students during the application process to study at Humboldt as proof of financial ability.

 

 

Undergraduate

Graduate

MBA

Tuition & Fees

$17,368.00

$16,516.00

$36,660.00

Living Expenses

$18,558.00

$18,558.00

$22,270.00

International Student Health Insurance

$2011.00

$2011.00

$2011.00

Total

$37,937.00

$37,085.00

$60,941.00

These are the estimated yearly costs for academic study at Cal Poly Humboldt, spanning from August to May for most programs and from August to July for the Graduate MBA program.

 

 

English Proficiency Requirements

 

Proficiency in the English language is a mandatory admission requirement for international students at Cal Poly Humboldt. To assess this proficiency, all applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores. However, there are exceptions to this requirement: Graduate applicants who have already earned an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education will automatically be granted a waiver for the TOEFL or IELTS. Undergraduate applicants may also qualify for a waiver if they have received their education at an institution where the primary language of instruction is English for a minimum duration of three years.
 

Exam

Minimum Score

IELTS

6.0

TOEFL

71

 

Placements

Cal Poly Humboldt placements are exclusively available for Humboldt students. These placements encompass a comprehensive 24/7 job and internship database, encompassing both on-campus and off-campus opportunities. This database covers a wide spectrum of positions, including work-study, part-time, full-time, temporary, and summer rolls, as well as internships and career positions.

 

To further assist students in their search for the perfect job or internship, the Academic and Career Advising Center at Cal Poly Humboldt has thoughtfully curated a collection of job boards dedicated to guiding students in finding opportunities that align with their aspirations and career goals.

 

Scholarship

Cal Poly Humboldt offers a wide array of scholarships designed to help students finance their education. These scholarships come in varying amounts, ranging from $500 to $4,000 annually, and some of them can be renewed for multiple years. In total, Humboldt allocates around $600,000 in scholarships every year to support its students in their academic pursuits. It's important to note that while accessing the "Full list of Scholarships" link below, there may be some known accessibility challenges with the product. However, Cal Poly Humboldt is actively dedicated to enhancing the usability of all the tools and services it provides, and they continue to work on improving accessibility. If you require accommodations to effectively search, view, or apply for scholarships through this portal, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Financial Aid team, as they are ready to assist you. 

 

  • Humboldt First Scholarship
  • Dr. Ernie O. Salo Memorial Scholarship
  • Homer Balabanis Economics Scholarship
  • Mark B. Rhea Environmental Science and Management Scholarship

 

UniScholars serves as an easily accessible platform catering to aspiring students. It provides specialised resources to assist them in identifying the most suitable scholarship options. This platform offers extensive guidance throughout a student's international academic venture, backed by a dedicated team of UniScholars professionals committed to providing invaluable advice to enhance students' academic achievements.

Finances

If you require additional funding for your education, private loans could be a potential solution. The Humboldt Financial Aid Office works with various lenders to certify private loans, helping to bridge the financial gap between the cost of attending the university and the amount of financial aid you've received, especially when federal loans are no longer an option. These private loans are offered by different lending institutions, and eligibility depends on various factors. It's important to note that in most cases, we do not recommend alternative loans unless they are necessary, as they lack the advantageous features of the Direct Loan programs.

 

For more information on comparing federal and private student loans, you can refer to the infographic. UniCreds offers student loans characterised by efficient approval processes and competitive interest rates, simplifying the loan application procedure. UniCreds serves as an ideal platform for exploring international student loan possibilities. Students who apply through UniCreds can secure loans without the need for collateral and with minimal processing fees, making it a convenient choice for financing their education.

Accommodation

Residing on the Cal Poly Humboldt campus offers an excellent way to make friends and fully engage with all that the university has to offer. When you choose to live on campus, you become an integral part of a university that is deeply committed to your academic success, and the convenience of campus life is right at your doorstep. There are numerous advantages, including easy access to Humboldt's student resources, delightful coffee shops and dining establishments, a modern recreation centre, and the region's largest performing arts theatre.

Moreover, you have a variety of choices in terms of your living arrangements. UniAcco provides a range of options and helps students explore affordable off-campus housing while empowering them to make informed decisions. Many students opt for off-campus living through UniAcco, valuing the independence and self-reliance it offers.

Cost of Living

In Arcata, California, the BestPlaces Cost of Living index stands at 108.2. This indicates that the overall expenses, including housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and essential items, are 8.2 percent higher than the national average and 38.5 per cent higher than California's average. According to our Arcata cost of living calculator, living in Arcata is 33 per cent pricier than the national average but 0 percent less expensive than the typical city in California.

 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$1542

On-Campus Accommodation

$1558

Transportation

$158

Food Cost

$371

Utility Cost

$221

Entertainment

$64

Groceries

$60

Clothes

$131

Health

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation 

$2627

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation 

$2643

Annual Cost of Living

$31716

FAQs