Cal Poly Humboldt

Arcata, Northern California

ACCEPTED

SETTING

Small town surrounded by redwood forests, near Pacific Ocean

SIZE

Small-Medium (6,000-7,000 students)

ACADEMIC RIGOR

High

Environmental Programs

Environmental Resources Engineering

B.S. (ABET-accredited)

  • One of the largest and oldest undergraduate environmental engineering programs in the US
  • Focus on water resources, restoration, natural resource protection
  • Strong hands-on, applied approach

Environmental Science & Management

B.S.

  • Interdisciplinary: biology, physical science, policy
  • Field-based learning emphasis
  • Multiple concentrations available

Environmental Studies

B.A.

  • Liberal arts approach to environmental issues

Campus & Nature

Surrounded by ancient redwood forests with close proximity to the Pacific coast

  • Surrounded by redwood forests
  • Close to beaches, mountains, rivers
  • Known for outdoor recreation access
  • Small campus feel

Academic Rigor

Cal Poly 'learn by doing' philosophy with strong field work component

  • ERE program is rigorous and well-respected
  • Strong field work component
  • Hands-on, applied rigor

Liberal Arts Access

  • Full liberal arts curriculum with humanities, social sciences, and arts
  • Can take economics, political science, history, philosophy courses
  • Language programs and arts departments available
  • Good breadth alongside environmental science focus

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ABET-accredited environmental engineering
  • Hands-on, field-based learning
  • Stunning natural setting with redwoods and ocean
  • Small-medium size with community feel
  • Strong environmental focus across campus

Cons

  • Remote location (small town)
  • Less research-intensive than R1 universities
  • Smaller alumni network than larger schools

Student Voices

Real perspectives from students and alumni on third-party review sites

What Students Love

"My freshman dorm was a 5 minute walk to the redwood forest. Those walks were so helpful in managing stress and I also met so many people during those walks. My time was filled with excitement, drive, creativity, and a sense of wonder."

— Alum, 1 month ago

What Students Love

"I really love Humboldt, I love the diversity, the inclusivity, and all the opportunities they have. I also love how they are very open with topics that are considered taboo, and they have a lot of openness with safe intercourse and accessible resources."

— Freshman, 4 months ago

Common Complaint

"Many campus amenities often suffer, low quality food hall and it often feels like the school is designed to squeeze out as much money as possible from students."

— Junior, 4 months ago