Academic Comparison between Humboldt State and California Northstate

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Humboldt State is a four-year, public school located in Arcata, CA and California Northstate is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Elk Grove, 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 California Northstate is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Northstate has more expensive tuition & fees ($61,600) than Humboldt State ($20,997).
  • It is harder to admit to California Northstate than Humboldt State.
  • Humboldt State has more students with 6,237 students while California Northstate has 981 students.
  • California Northstate has a lower number of students per faculty with 3 to 1 while Humboldt State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Humboldt State has more full-time faculties with 271 faculties while California Northstate has 106 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldtvs.California Northstate University
Arcata, CaliforniaLocationElk Grove, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie Classification
In-State$8,397
Out-Of-State$20,997
2025 Tuition & Fees$61,600
65%% Receiving Financial Aid34%
$10,739Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,487
98.20 %Acceptance Rates92.47 %
5.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)5.81 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
49 %Graduation Rate100 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate-
76 %Retention Rate86 %
6,237Student Population981
271Number of Faculties106
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio3 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesWeekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Placement services