Academic Comparison between Humboldt State and Cal Poly

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 State Polytechnic University-Humboldtvs.California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Arcata, CaliforniaLocationSan Luis Obispo, 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$8,397
Out-Of-State$20,997
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
65%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$10,739Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,264
98.20 %Acceptance Rates31.32 %
5.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.61 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
49 %Graduation Rate86 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
76 %Retention Rate96 %
6,237Student Population23,069
271Number of Faculties931
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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