The mission of Humboldt State University is to provide an environment where learning is the highest priority. Humboldt State University is located approximately 270 miles north of San Francisco. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic redwood groves of the North Coast, HSU is a campus of choice rather than one of convenience. The northernmost, westernmost institution in the 22-campus California State University system, Humboldt tends to attract from afar students who are adventurous and self-reliant.

The intimate, natural setting and small class sizes foster friendliness and close faculty/student relationships. Thus, more undergraduates enjoy uncommon privileges: broad access to computers, equipment, and laboratories (including the university forest, greenhouse, marine lab, and electron microscope); opportunities for public expression in creative arts and humanities through the student media, the Student Access Gallery, dramatic productions, recitals, and competitive debates; and, from anthropology to zoology, the opportunity to play a major role in research.

In 1991, 8,000 students enrolled at Humboldt; and the average student was more than 500 miles from home. Despite its size and relative remoteness, and possibly because of them, Humboldt State is known for academic excellence (evidenced by high post-graduate and professional test scores). Though the atmosphere and lifestyle are casual, faculty take seriously their personal commitment to helping students advance along a rigorous scholarly path.

Traditionally known for its sciences and natural resources programs (such as forestry and wildlife), Humboldt in the last decade has much strengthened its diversity as its programs in the humanities, fine arts, and business have earned national distinction. Recently, in back-to-back annual ratings, U.S. News and World Report ranked Humboldt 13th or better in the West in its listing of the 60 best regional colleges and universities in the nation. "Instructional quality" was behind Humboldt's strong showing.

The intimacy of the campus mirrors the sense of community along California's North Coast. In the small-town atmosphere, students learn they can make a direct, positive difference in the lives of others. And they do, through programs for senior citizens, recycling, science outreach, legal counseling, health education, and other concerns. Many students acquire a long-lasting sense of social commitment, as evidenced by Humboldt's historically high proportion of graduates who enter the Peace Corps.