Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Cal Poly Humboldt vary significantly by field of study, with environmental and technical programs dramatically outperforming liberal arts and social science majors. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and align program choice with career goals.
Analyzing 35 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Cal Poly Humboldt.
#160 nationally
$44K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.
Engineering programs at Cal Poly Humboldt deliver exceptional outcomes with Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ranking #3 nationally and Computer Science producing strong earnings of $72,511. These technical fields represent the university's highest-earning career paths, though enrollment remains modest.
Students pursuing engineering should expect excellent return on investment and nationally competitive program quality.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #160 |
Program rankings reflect graduate outcomes in the labor market rather than academic prestige or reputation measures. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment, ensuring outcomes reflect established career patterns rather than entry-level positions. Rankings compare programs against similar majors at all four-year institutions nationally and within California. Cohort sizes indicate annual graduate production, with larger cohorts providing more reliable earnings estimates. Value scores integrate earnings, debt, and educational costs to assess return on investment. Students should consider both outcomes and personal interests when selecting majors, as career satisfaction depends on factors beyond earnings potential. These data help inform program selection by revealing labor market realities for different fields of study.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 48 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | #3 | $71,510 | — | 68 |
Business Administration represents one of the university's larger programs with 144 graduates annually earning $51,034. While national rankings are moderate at #224, the program provides solid career preparation for regional business opportunities.
Students prioritizing stable employment prospects and moderate debt levels find good value in business programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #224 | $51,034 | — | 144 |
Biology programs serve significant enrollment with 129 graduates annually, though earnings of $39,303 remain below university averages. Geochemistry delivers stronger outcomes at $52,768 with excellent national rankings.
Students should consider career goals carefully, as graduate school continuation is common in biological sciences while geology offers more immediate workforce opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #15 | $52,768★ | — | 36 |
| Botany/Plant Biology, Other. | #1 🏆 | $43,749 | — | 23 |
| Biology, General. | #296 | $39,303 | $20,418 | 129 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #178 | $33,972 | — | 21 |
| Animal Behavior and Ethology. | #19 | $26,675 | — | 38 |
Psychology leads enrollment with 175 graduates annually earning $38,617, making it the university's largest program. Criminology and Anthropology show stronger earnings potential, while Forensic Social Work combines good outcomes with specialized career preparation.
These programs serve students interested in human services careers, though earnings generally fall below technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics.Small sample | — | $56,320★ | — | 8 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #42 | $47,507 | — | 52 |
| Anthropology, General. | #28 | $43,020 | — | 30 |
| Criminology. | #36 | $42,938 | — | 55 |
| Psychology, General. | #223 | $38,617 | — | 175 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #213 | $37,681 | — | 37 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #310 | $27,947 | — | 25 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | #94 | $23,693 | — | 20 |
Broadcast Journalism. leads communications with 33K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | #105 | $32,810 | — | 37 |
Liberal arts programs including English Literature and Art History produce graduates earning between $27,000-$33,000 annually. While national rankings vary, these programs emphasize critical thinking and cultural knowledge over immediate earnings potential.
Students should plan for potential graduate education or consider these majors as preparation for careers requiring broad intellectual skills.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #214 | $39,994★ | — | 24 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #149 | $36,201 | — | 17 |
| General Studies. | #149 | $34,209 | — | 104 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #265 | $32,524 | — | 39 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #191 | $27,664 | — | 76 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | — | $22,192 | — | 6 |
| Brass Instruments. | #170 | $21,695 | — | 21 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #82 | $19,107 | — | 28 |
| Acting.Small sample | — | $17,470 | — | 7 |
Environmental programs represent Cal Poly Humboldt's distinctive academic strength. Environmental Science ranks #80 nationally while Wildlife and Wildlands Science leads at #14 nationally and #1 in California.
Forest Management delivers strong earnings and excellent rankings, making environmental fields the university's signature academic area with both recognition and career outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Management/Forest Resources Management. | #7 | $51,526★ | — | 65 |
| Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding.Small sample | — | $39,927 | — | 8 |
| Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management. | #5 | $39,212 | — | 20 |
| Environmental Science. | #83 | $36,894 | — | 153 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | #15 | $33,037 | — | 87 |
General Studies and Exercise Science serve significant enrollment with varied outcomes. General Studies provides flexible pathways for diverse career goals, while Exercise Science offers preparation for health and fitness careers.
These programs accommodate students seeking broad preparation or specific allied health pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #141 | $40,750★ | — | 98 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #80 | $38,755 | — | 31 |
| African-American/Black Studies.Small sample | #74 | $30,844 | — | 18 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.Small sample | #37 | $26,224 | — | 13 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
