At $13,167/yr net price, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates earn $47,626/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,626/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,167 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,668 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,626/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,626/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,090/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,623/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,095/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,692/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,695/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $17,625 |
| Social Work. | Master | $53,045 | $29,654 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $52,941 | $38,684 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | Bachelor | $48,265 | $25,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $41,565 | $24,185 |
| Plant Sciences. | Bachelor | $39,927 | |
| Forestry. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $21,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,294 | $15,448 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $36,134 | |
| Biology, General. | Master | $30,771 |
The Risk Factor
46.6% of students at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt offers below-average financial returns with significant completion risks that make it a poor choice for most students seeking strong career outcomes.
The school's 46% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk since you pay tuition costs without earning a degree. Even graduates face limited earning potential, with median income of $47,626 falling well short of what you need to justify college costs in today's job market.
Computer Science provides the clearest path to financial success, generating $53,775 in median earnings with manageable debt of $17,625. Social Work also shows strong returns at $53,045, though this typically requires graduate school for career advancement. Environmental Engineering offers decent prospects at $48,265, aligning with the school's regional strengths in natural resources.
Psychology graduates face poor financial outcomes despite earning $52,941, carrying $38,684 in debt that creates an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. Natural Resources Conservation pays just $41,565 with $24,185 in debt, making it financially questionable despite the school's environmental focus.
The remote Humboldt County location limits internship and job opportunities, forcing many graduates to relocate for career growth. This geographic isolation particularly hurts students in fields requiring industry connections or urban job markets.
You should consider Humboldt only if you're committed to Computer Science or Environmental Engineering and value the rural Northern California setting over career prospects. Students seeking broad job opportunities, higher earning potential, or better graduation rates will find superior options elsewhere in the Cal State system or at UC campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt worth the cost?
With a low net price of $13,167 annually and median debt of only $18,000, Humboldt offers solid value despite modest post-graduation earnings of $47,626. The 46% graduation rate is concerning and indicates many students struggle to complete their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
Computer Science leads at $53,775 annually, followed by Social Work at $53,045. These programs offer the strongest return on investment, while Natural Resources Conservation lags at $41,565 despite being a signature program.
How much debt do California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $18,000, which is manageable compared to many universities. However, with average earnings of $47,626, debt-to-income ratios remain reasonable for most programs.
Does California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt have a good graduation rate?
The 46% graduation rate is below average and represents a significant risk factor. Nearly half of students who start at Humboldt do not finish their degrees, which directly impacts the return on investment calculation.