UnisHub University Compass

Palo Alto University (PAU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Palo Alto University

Set near the foothills of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto University is known for its deep focus on psychology, counseling, and the social sciences. Courses lean into evidence-based practice, research literacy, ethics, and cultural humility, creating a close-knit learning environment where discussion and reflection matter as much as exams.

Students tap into a thoughtful mix of resources: an on-campus training clinic that serves the community, research and assessment labs, a quiet library, writing and tutoring support, advising, and wellness services. Campus life centers on speaker series, peer-led groups, mental health advocacy, and service projects. And when you need to exhale, nearby trails and Bay Area arts are right there.

Career preparation runs through supervised fieldwork, mentorship, and connections with regional clinics, schools, and nonprofits. The culture feels collaborative and purpose-driven, with a practical streak that prizes real-world readiness. Distinguishing features include strong community engagement and a steady blend of research and practice. It's serious work, but it doesn't feel stiff.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 1791 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, California, 94304, USA
Phone: +1 (800) 818-6136
Website: paloaltou.edu
Unit ID: 120698

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: WSCUC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Quarter system (four terms per year: fall, winter, spring, summer)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research)
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Engineering
Campus Setting: Located in a fringe rural area (within 5 miles of urban area)
Tuition: In-state: $23,096 (Tuition $17,714 + Fee $5,382) · Out-of-state: $23,096 (Tuition $17,714 + Fee $5,382)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,223
Undergraduate: 19
Graduate/Other: 1,204
Male: 195 Female: 1,028
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 169 Full-time: 118 Part-time: 51

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Palo Alto University (PAU) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in California vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Psychology (5)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101 Psychology, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $120,240 -$29,650 (-19.8%)
19-3032 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists $134,400 $137,540 +$3,140 (+2.3%)
19-3033 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $106,850 $116,710 +$9,860 (+9.2%)
19-3039 Psychologists, All Other $111,340 $139,090 +$27,750 (+24.9%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $57,450 -$6,110 (-9.6%)
25-1066 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $93,530 $140,370 +$46,840 (+50.1%)
42.2801 Clinical Psychology. (PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of clinical psychology, involving the analysis, diagnosis, and clinical treatment of psychological disorders and behavioral pathologies. Includes instruction in clinical assessment and diagnosis, personality appraisal, psychopathology, clinical psychopharmacology, behavior modification, therapeutic intervention skills, patient interviewing, personalized and group therapy, child and adolescent therapy, cognitive and behavioral therapy, supervised clinical practice, ethical standards, and applicable regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $120,240 -$29,650 (-19.8%)
19-3033 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $106,850 $116,710 +$9,860 (+9.2%)
25-1066 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $93,530 $140,370 +$46,840 (+50.1%)
42.2804 Industrial and Organizational Psychology. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and group behavior in institutional settings, applications to related problems of organization and industry, and that may prepare individuals to apply such principles in industrial and organizational settings. Includes instruction in group behavior theory, organizational theory, reward/punishment structures, human-machine and human-computer interactions, motivation dynamics, human stress studies, environmental and organizational influences on behavior, alienation and satisfaction, and job testing and assessment.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-3121 Human Resources Managers $160,480 $131,800 -$28,680 (-17.9%)
11-3131 Training and Development Managers $140,590 $152,670 +$12,080 (+8.6%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $120,240 -$29,650 (-19.8%)
13-1071 Human Resources Specialists $79,730 $77,800 -$1,930 (-2.4%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $87,720 -$26,990 (-23.5%)
13-1151 Training and Development Specialists $73,760 $79,650 +$5,890 (+8%)
19-3032 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists $134,400 $137,540 +$3,140 (+2.3%)
25-1066 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $93,530 $140,370 +$46,840 (+50.1%)
Health (2)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.1505 Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of marriage and family therapy, involving the diagnosis of cognitive, affective, and behavioral domain disorders, both mental and emotional, within the context of marriage and family systems and the application of short- and long-term therapeutic strategies in family group contexts. Includes instruction in psychotherapy, family systems and studies, small group intervention and therapy, marital problems, depression, identification of psychopathologies and behavioral disorders, holistic health care, practice management, applicable regulations, and professional standards and ethics.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
21-1013 Marriage and Family Therapists $72,720 $75,460 +$2,740 (+3.8%)
25-1066 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $93,530 $140,370 +$46,840 (+50.1%)
51.1508 Mental Health Counseling/Counselor. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to provide evaluations, referrals, and short-term counseling services to help people prevent or remediate personal problems, conflicts, and emotional crises. Includes instruction in human development, psychopathology, individual and group counseling, personality theory, career assessment, patient screening and referral, observation and testing techniques, interviewing skills, professional standards and ethics, and applicable laws and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
21-1014 Mental Health Counselors N/A N/A N/A

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$23,096
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$23,096
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$23,096
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$23,096
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
N/A
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
N/A
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
N/A
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
N/A
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$49,200
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$49,200
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

0%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
N/A
Avg. Loan
N/A
Avg. Federal Loan
N/A
Additional
Students with Any Grant
N/A
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
N/A
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
N/A
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
N/A
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

N/A
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
N/A
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$56,893 – $99,108
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$56,893 (25th %) $99,108 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $83,187
Median Salary After 6 Years
$63,310
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$83,187
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
67.1%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$20,500
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 59.1%
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Palo Alto University (PAU)

How much does it cost to attend Palo Alto University (PAU)?

The annual tuition at Palo Alto University (PAU) is $23,096 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $23,096 for in-state students.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Palo Alto University offer?

Palo Alto University (PAU) offers 10 academic programs across 2 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (5 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the average salary for Palo Alto University graduates?

Palo Alto University (PAU) graduates earn a median salary of $63,310 after 6 years and $83,187 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $56,893 (25th percentile) to $99,108 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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