About

University Type

Public

University Type

Average Living Expenses

$17,700

Average Living Expenses

Humboldt State University (HSU) is a public university in Arcata, California. It is part of the California State University system and is named after Alexander von Humboldt, a German naturalist and explorer. HSU is known for its focus on environmental studies, natural resources, and the arts.

What is the acceptance rate of Humboldt State University?

Humboldt State University has an enrollment of 8,116+ students, an acceptance rate of 91%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1.

Humboldt State University offers 60+ undergraduate majors and 17+ graduate programs. Some of the most popular majors at HSU include psychology, environmental science, biology, liberal arts and humanities, wildlife and fisheries management, physical education teaching and coaching, and arts. The average annual tuition and other fees at Humboldt State University for international undergraduates are nearly $37,937, and for international graduate students, it is nearly $37,085.

Humboldt State University is a diverse community with students from all over the world. The university is committed to providing a student-centred education preparing students for success in their chosen fields. HSU also offers various opportunities for students to get involved in research, community service, and leadership. Humboldt State University has been ranked #1401+ in QS World University Rankings 2024.

 

Top Reasons to Study in the Humboldt State University

  • Stunning Natural Beauty: Humboldt State University is located in the heart of the Redwoods, just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean. The campus is surrounded by lush forests, towering trees, and pristine beaches, providing a unique and inspiring backdrop for students' education.
  • Small Classes and Personalized Attention: Humboldt State has a student-to-faculty ratio of nearly 17:1, getting students a lot of individual attention from their professors. This is especially important for students who are interested in research or who want to get to know their professors well.
  • Strong Academics: Humboldt State offers ranging undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on the natural sciences, environmental studies, and the arts. The university is also home to several research centres and institutes, providing students with opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research.
  • Active Student Life: Humboldt State has a vibrant student life, with 100+ student organizations and clubs. There are also plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking, camping, and surfing.

Courses

Cost of Studying at Humboldt State University

Average tuition fee

Reasonable

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5000+ Students

Availed education loan

3000+ Cr

Loan amount sanctioned

100% Free

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$17,700

Average living expenses (Masters)

$17,700

Admissions at The Humboldt State University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

91%

Application Fee

$55 - $70

How to Apply at Humboldt State University

UNDERGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to Humboldt State University for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Create an application account: You can do this on the Humboldt State University admissions website.
  • Complete the online application form: Provide your academic transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
  • Submit your application fee of $70.
  • Submit your TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  • Submit your ACT/SAT scores (optional).

POSTGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to Humboldt State University for graduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Create an application account: You can do this on the Humboldt State University admissions website.
  • Complete the online application form: Provide your academic transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
  • Submit your application fee of $70.
  • Submit your TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  • Submit letters of recommendation from academic counsellors.
  • Submit a statement of purpose.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Here are the steps on how to apply to Humboldt State University for a master's or PhD as an international applicant:

  • Create an application account: You can do this on the Humboldt State University admissions website.
  • Complete the online application form: Provide your academic transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
  • Submit your application fee of $70.
  • Submit your TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  • Submit letters of recommendation from academic counsellors.
  • Submit a statement of purpose.

Documents Required to Apply to Humboldt State University

UNDERGRADUATE

Documents needed to apply to Humboldt State University as an international undergraduate applicant are:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Application Fee.
  • Official Transcripts.
  • English Porificnecy Test Scores.
  • SAT/ACT Scores (optional.)

Required Immigration Documents For Form I-20:

  • Passport Copy.
  • Declaration of Finances.
  • Financial Documents.

POSTGRADUATE

Documents needed to apply to Humboldt State University as an international postgraduate applicant are:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Application Fee.
  • Official Transcripts.
  • English Porificnecy Test Scores.
  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Statement of Purpose.

Required Immigration Documents For Form I-20:

  • Passport Copy.
  • Declaration of Finances.
  • Financial Documents.

If required:

  • Resume or CV.
  • Writing Samples.
  • Research Proposal.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Documents needed to apply to Humboldt State University as an international master's or PhD applicant are:

  • Completed Online Application.
  • Application Fee.
  • Official Transcripts.
  • English Porificnecy Test Scores.
  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Statement of Purpose.

Required Immigration Documents For Form I-20:

  • Passport Copy.
  • Declaration of Finances.
  • Financial Documents.

If required:

  • Resume or CV.
  • Writing Samples.
  • Research Proposal.

Exams Accepted By Humboldt State University

Humboldt State University accepts the following English proficiency tests and scores from international applicants:

Undergraduates:

  • TOEFL: 71 IBT, 525 PBT, 197 CBT.
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • DET: 95
  • PTE: 48

Graduates:

  • TOEFL: 80 IBT, 550 PBT, 213 CBT
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • DET: 105
  • PTE: 53
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Alumni at Humboldt State University

Humboldt State University has a long and distinguished history of 85,000+ alumni excelling in ranging fields. Some of them are:

  • Stephen Hillenburg (1961-2018), creator of the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants.
  • Lynnette Zelezny ('79, Psychology, '81, M.A.) - President of California State University Bakersfield.
  • John Kiffmeyer, drummer for the punk rock band Green Day.
  • Gail Robinson ('74, English) - Author of the "Sister Jane" mystery series.
  • Vaush is a political commentator and internet personality.
  • Ariel Gruenthal ('08, Anthropology) - Humboldt County's first female deputy coroner.
  • Dan Phillips, environmental lawyer and activist.

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Campus life

Campus locations
California

Transportation in the city

Some transportation options available in Arcata, California:

  • The Arcata & Mad River Transit System (AMRTS) is the public bus system serving the City of Arcata. AMRTS offers several routes running Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday service.
  • Amtrak provides train service to Arcata from Eureka and Oakland. The Arcata Amtrak station is located at 925 E Street.
  • Greyhound provides bus service to Arcata from Eureka and San Francisco. The Greyhound bus stop is located at 925 E Street.
  • Taxi: Several taxi companies operate in Arcata, including the Plaza Cab, Arcata Taxi, and Eureka Taxi.
  • Bike: Arcata is a very bike-friendly town, with many bike lanes and trails throughout the city. You can rent bikes from several local shops.

Services offered by the university

Humboldt State University offers many services to its students, including:

  • Academic Advising: The Academic and Career Advising Center (ACAC) provides students with individual advising, group workshops, and online resources to help them plan their academic paths and achieve their career goals.
  • Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Office helps students apply for and manage their financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
  • Student Health: The Student Health and Wellbeing Services (SHWS) clinic provides students with comprehensive medical, mental health, and dental care.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) promotes diversity and inclusion on campus through programs and services that support students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds.
  • Technology: The Information Technology Services (ITS) department provides students with access to computers, printers, software, and other technology resources.

Student life at Humboldt State University

  • Student Activities: There are several student activities at Humboldt State, including intramural sports, Greek life, student government, and a variety of student publications.
  • Arts and Culture: Humboldt State has a vibrant theatre scene, with several student-run theatre companies and a professional theatre company that performs on campus. There are also some art galleries, museums, and music venues in Arcata, the town where Humboldt State is located.
  • Sense of Community: Humboldt State is known for its sense of community. Students come from all over the world to attend the university, and they quickly become part of a close-knit community. There are many student organizations and clubs on campus, and there are always opportunities to get involved in volunteer work or community service.
  • Outdoor Adventure: One of the best things about Humboldt State is its proximity to the outdoors. Students can go hiking, camping, fishing, surfing, and kayaking right outside their front door. The university also has outdoor recreation clubs and organizations, such as the Sierra Club and the Humboldt State Climbing Club.

On campus accomodation at Humboldt State University

Humboldt State University offers some on-campus housing options to suit the needs of its students, including:

  • Traditional Residence Halls offer several room types, including single, double, and triple occupancy rooms. All residence halls have shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, and study lounges.
  • Apartments offer more privacy and space than traditional residence halls. They come in varied sizes, from studios to four-bedroom apartments. Apartments have their kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms.
  • Suites offer a combination of the privacy of an apartment and the social atmosphere of a residence hall. They usually have two or three bedrooms, a shared living room and kitchen, and a bathroom.
  • Theme Housing: This option allows students to live with other students who share their interests.
  • Bridge Housing: This is a temporary housing option for students who are unable to find on-campus housing. Bridge housing is located in local hotels and provides students with a safe and affordable place to live while they wait for on-campus housing to become available.

Cost: The cost of a single room in a traditional residence hall ranges from \$1,400 to \$2,400 per semester. The cost of an apartment ranges from \$2,000 to \$3,000 per semester.

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