Humboldt State is a public institution and part of the 23-campus California State University system. HSU was founded as a teacher's college in 1913. Over the last century, it has grown from an institution focused solely on teacher education to an accredited university with extensive research facilities.

The university have about 6,500 students and 501 faculty members and offers a wide array of academic choices, with 52 majors and 12 graduate programs in three Colleges. Faculty members are among the top teachers and researchers in their fields. Programs in natural resources and sciences are nationally known, while visual and performing arts are also popular areas of study. Throughout the curriculum, students find a long-standing commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Students enjoy an extraordinary college experience, taking small classes taught by professors who know them by name. They live and learn in one of the world's most beautiful places near ancient redwood forests, mountains and beaches. Outside the classroom, students enjoy a rich campus life. They are involved in more than 190 campus clubs and have access to a state-of-the-art recreational facility. Each year, CenterArts brings nationally recognized performers and speakers to campus, and HSU have 12 NCAA Division II athletic teams.

HSU is located 275 miles north of San Francisco in the town of Arcata, which is recognized as one of the West's best college towns.