Academic Comparison between Palo Alto and Humboldt State

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

  • Palo Alto is a private (not-for-profit) and Humboldt State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Palo Alto has more expensive tuition & fees ($24,604) than Humboldt State ($20,997).
  • Humboldt State has more students with 6,237 students while Palo Alto has 1,065 students.
  • Palo Alto has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while Humboldt State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Humboldt State has more full-time faculties with 271 faculties while Palo Alto has 46 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Palo Alto Universityvs.California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Palo Alto, CaliforniaLocationArcata, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Other health professions schoolCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$24,6042025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,397
Out-Of-State$20,997
50%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$10,365Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,739
-Acceptance Rates98.20 %
-Yield (Enrollment Rates)5.89 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
-Graduation Rate49 %
-Transfer-out Rate6 %
-Retention Rate76 %
1,065Student Population6,237
46Number of Faculties271
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling serviceOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare