Humboldt State University is nestled into the hills near Arcata in northern California. It has a commanding view of Arcata Bay, and it is considered to have a remote and beautiful location. It is the most northern school in the California’s state university system, and it is the only university in its extended geographical region. It was originally founded in 1921 as a state teachers’ college and junior college. It has slowly evolved over the decades, offering first undergraduate and then graduate degrees. It is well known for hosting the Humboldt Film Festival, one of the oldest student-run festivals of its kind.
Mission and Vision
Humboldt seeks to set itself apart from other universities through innovation. It steers away from the traditional large and impersonal lecture hall style, giving students more hands-on learning opportunities and more individual attention from their professor. The application of knowledge taught in the classroom is important to Humboldt’s mission and the success of its students. It stands out among state schools as one that is small and personal enough to allow undergraduate students a richer and more personal learning experience.
Campus Setting
Humboldt can boast one of the more beautiful settings among the state schools in California. It’s commanding view of a beautiful bay, quaint college town and towering redwood forests will make students feel more like they are on a nature retreat than attending a state university. While Humboldt doesn’t have as much access to city life as many state schools, it serves more as a quiet and somewhat secluded haven for serious academics.
Academics
Humboldt offers a full range of graduate and undergraduate programs divide into three colleges. The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences has an intellectual and artistic community of students with degree options such as art, English, music, Native American Studies and sociology. The College of Professional Studies focuses on business, economics, education and healthcare related fields. The College of Natural Resources and Sciences, one of the university’s strongest programs, includes biology, forestry, oceanography and a wide variety of others.
Humboldt can boast one of the smallest class sizes of any state school with a student to faculty ratio of only 22.5 and a total student population of only 7,902. Small class sizes mean plenty of time to get to know professors personally and more interactive learning environment.
Athletics
While not able to boast any award winning teams, Humboldt does offer students a wide variety of athletic programs, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, football, cross-country, track-and-field, softball and rowing. The school’s team name is the “Lumberjacks,” and it is considered a Division II level in the California Collegiate Athletics Association.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Humboldt’s estimated cost of attendance for the 2013-2014 school year is $22,542, putting it on the upper side of the average cost for a state school. It is a rather good value, considering that the school’s resources and faculty ratio are more in line with small private schools that have much higher average tuition prices. The school accepts multiple types of grants and loans as determined by a student’s FAFSA. The school also accepts a variety of local scholarships offered by local business or foundations. Student’s must apply for and be granted these scholarships on a case-by-case basis. Many will appeal primarily to local students, such as the Humboldt Area Foundation Scholarship or the Dream Quest Scholarship.
Accreditation
Humboldt State University is a fully accredited university under California’s state university system. It also has a wide variety of accreditations from various organizations, including the California Board of Registered Nursing, the California State Board of Education, the State Board of Forestry and many others.
Admissions
Freshman admission to Humboldt is very limited. Incoming freshman must have a C or better grade in all of the classes listed in the school’s preparatory requirements list. They must also have a high school diploma or GED. Transfer students are separated into lower and upper division based on their number of transferring credits, and the requirements are different for each.
It is always best to speak to an admissions staff member for help.
Admissions Contact:
http://www.humboldt.edu/admissions/
Office of Admissions – 866.850.9556
1 Harpst St. Arcata, CA 95521
