Built by MIT Lincoln Laboratory engineers, Berkeley, University of California admissions officers, and Ivy League counselors. Proud partner of The Haq Foundation.
AdmissionsOS

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs California State University-Channel Islands

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt California State University-Channel Islands
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 98% 95%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $13,171 $9,849
Sticker cost of attendance $25,170 $23,561
Graduation rate 49% 51%
Retention rate 76% 72%
Undergraduates 5,612 5,013
Student-faculty ratio 16:1 16:1
Setting Arcata, CA Camarillo, CA
Type Public Public
Application fee $70 $70
Test policy Test-blind Test-blind

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Common questions

Is California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or California State University-Channel Islands harder to get into?

California State University-Channel Islands is more selective, with a 95% acceptance rate versus 98% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or California State University-Channel Islands?

California State University-Channel Islands has the lower average net price ($9,849 versus $13,171). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.