Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and Humboldt State

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Cal Poly has more expensive tuition & fees ($33,230) than Humboldt State ($20,997).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than Humboldt State.
  • Cal Poly has more students with 23,069 students while Humboldt State has 6,237 students.
  • Humboldt State has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Cal Poly has more full-time faculties with 931 faculties while Humboldt State has 271 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationArcata, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,397
Out-Of-State$20,997
52%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$12,264Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,739
31.32 %Acceptance Rates98.20 %
24.61 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)5.89 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
86 %Graduation Rate49 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate6 %
96 %Retention Rate76 %
23,069Student Population6,237
931Number of Faculties271
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare