Academic Comparison between Humboldt State and San Francisco State

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and San Francisco State University 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.
  • Humboldt State has more expensive tuition & fees ($20,997) than San Francisco State ($20,446).
  • It is harder to admit to San Francisco State than Humboldt State.
  • San Francisco State has more students with 22,563 students while Humboldt State has 6,237 students.
  • Humboldt State has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while San Francisco State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • San Francisco State has more full-time faculties with 797 faculties while Humboldt State has 271 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldtvs.San Francisco State University
Arcata, CaliforniaLocationSan Francisco, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$8,397
Out-Of-State$20,997
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,846
Out-Of-State$20,446
65%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$10,739Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,110
98.20 %Acceptance Rates96.44 %
5.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)8.60 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
49 %Graduation Rate50 %
6 %Transfer-out Rate6 %
76 %Retention Rate83 %
6,237Student Population22,563
271Number of Faculties797
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