The ranking rates universities on a variety of factors including outdoor activities, proximity to state and national parks, fieldwork opportunities, on-campus facilities, and affordability.
Other schools that made the 2012 list were the University of California Berkeley, the University of Vermont and Stanford University. The only other California State University campus was Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Outside editors highlighted HSU’s wilderness certification courses and academic programs in environmental protection, watershed management and fisheries biology.
“Students can become certified swiftwater rescuers—which involves an in-depth look at river dynamics—or wilderness first responders. The focus on outdoorsy heroism extends into academic programs, too, such as wildfire management,” they wrote.
They also emphasized the university’s proximity to national forests and the Telonicher Marine Lab in Trinidad.
Other highlights included Center Activities classes in rock climbing, skiing, cycling and water sports.
HSU’s cycling team even got a shout out.
“The newish cycling programs have already been competitive on a national level,” they added.
For the full ranking, click here.