Academic Comparison between Humboldt State and CalArts

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and California Institute of the Arts are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Humboldt State is a four-year, public school located in Arcata, CA and CalArts is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Valencia, CA.

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.

  • Humboldt State is a public and CalArts is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • CalArts has more expensive tuition & fees ($58,996) than Humboldt State ($20,997).
  • It is harder to admit to CalArts than Humboldt State.
  • Humboldt State has more students with 6,237 students while CalArts has 1,277 students.
  • CalArts has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while Humboldt State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Humboldt State has more full-time faculties with 271 faculties while CalArts has 145 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldtvs.California Institute of the Arts
Arcata, CaliforniaLocationValencia, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$8,397
Out-Of-State$20,997
2025 Tuition & Fees$58,996
65%% Receiving Financial Aid91%
$10,739Average Amount of Financial Aid$28,420
98.20 %Acceptance Rates32.34 %
5.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)27.93 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
49 %Graduation Rate67 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate17 %
76 %Retention Rate82 %
6,237Student Population1,277
271Number of Faculties145
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesStudy Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services