Location, Location, Location Humboldt State University/Wikimedia
Humboldt State University is the northernmost campus of the California State University system and is known for its remoteness and natural beauty. Check out our complete list of the top 25 colleges for Outside readers.
Hands-On Learning Humboldt State University/Wikimedia
Students interested in fieldwork have incredibly diverse hands-on opportunities ranging from the redwood forests to the Pacific Ocean. HSU offers the only undergraduate oceanography program in California with a fully-equipped marine lab and research vessel.
Unique Outdoor-Oriented Programs Kellie Jo Brown
HSU offers a number of unique programs, such as majors in Botany, Native American Studies and Oceanography. The Botany program is the nation's largest undergraduate program of its kind, and HSU is one of only a few universities with its own fire lab for wildlife fire management research.
Freshmen Interest Groups Courtesy Humboldt State University
HSU freshmen are placed into FIGs intended to help them connect with friends. Groups include surfing, camping, social activism and outdoor adventures, among others.
Center Activities Office Courtesy Humboldt State University
The Center Activities office offers classes, gear rentals and leads group excursions. The campus is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, six rivers, and snow-capped mountains so there is plenty of kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and surfing to go around.
Research Meets the Outdoors Courtesy of Humboldt State University
Students combine academic research with outdoor pursuits, such as studying the movements involved in climbing and assessing the rating system used for climbs.
