Academic Comparison between Humboldt State and Occidental

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and Occidental College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Humboldt State is a four-year, public school located in Arcata, CA and Occidental is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Los Angeles, 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 Occidental is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Occidental has more expensive tuition & fees ($66,274) than Humboldt State ($20,997).
  • It is harder to admit to Occidental than Humboldt State.
  • Humboldt State has more students with 6,237 students while Occidental has 1,881 students.
  • Occidental has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while Humboldt State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Humboldt State has more full-time faculties with 271 faculties while Occidental has 198 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldtvs.Occidental College
Arcata, CaliforniaLocationLos Angeles, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$8,397
Out-Of-State$20,997
2025 Tuition & Fees$66,274
65%% Receiving Financial Aid76%
$10,739Average Amount of Financial Aid$35,409
98.20 %Acceptance Rates44.17 %
5.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.83 %
-SAT Score1,440
-ACT Score33
49 %Graduation Rate81 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate11 %
76 %Retention Rate90 %
6,237Student Population1,881
271Number of Faculties198
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare