Embark on a journey to excellence at Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University Admissions

Receive a Degree from a University Dedicated to Psychology & Counseling

Request Information Click Here!
Ready to take the next step? Apply Now
Upcoming Admission Events Sign Up Here

Founded in 1975 as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, PAU is a private, non-profit institution that offers high-quality, immersive education and clinical training for those interested in pursuing a career in the fields of psychology and counseling.

With bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs available in flexible formats and accredited by WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC), PAU positions you to excel in your academic pursuits and professional endeavors. 

Why Apply to PAU?

  • Customize your education by choosing from in-person, online, or hybrid learning formats.
  • Enjoy stabilized tuition, which ensures your cost of attendance remains consistent throughout your academic program.
  • Receive personalized instruction from our dedicated faculty, who have extensive research-based backgrounds and rich teaching experience.
  • Undergo intensive clinical training to progress toward earning the required licensure
  • Gain hands-on experience through rigorous internships and benefit from high placement rates, including:
    • 99% APA-accredited match rate for 2020-21 for the PhD program
    • 100% APA-accredited internship match rate for the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium program (in 2013 and 2014; see APA Data)
    • 98% practicum placement rate for the MA Counseling program

Undergraduate Admissions

Finish strong at PAU. Our undergraduate psychology programs are specially designed for transfer students and include a simplified admissions process and a well-curated curriculum. Creating a seamless transition from your previous college or university to PAU empowers you to complete your bachelor’s degree and achieve your career goals. 

Graduate Admissions

Elevate your psychology and counseling career opportunities by enrolling in one of Palo Alto University’s graduate programs. Through our streamlined yet comprehensive application process, we can gain a fuller understanding of your strengths, areas of interest, and aspirations. With this knowledge, we can help you integrate into your chosen program and progress toward earning your master’s or doctoral degree.

International Admissions

PAU aims to create an inclusive, diverse student body, and supporting prospective students from around the world through their application process is part of that mission. We encourage International students to apply to in-person and online degree programs; however, they must meet certain eligibility criteria and obtain specific visas for admission. 

PAU Admissions Deadlines

Admissions deadlines may vary from program to program. To start planning your application process, refer to the table below.

BS in Business Psychology

Applications accepted on a rolling basis.


BS in Psychology and Social Action

Applications accepted on a rolling basis.


MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Spring 2024: Apply by March 3, 2024

Fall 2024: Apply by July 28, 2024


MS in Psychology

Fall 2024: Apply by August 4, 2024


Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fall 2025: Apply by January 6, 2025


PhD in Clinical Psychology

Application Review Begins: November 1, 2023

Regular Consideration Deadline: January 7, 2024

 


PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Application review for the fall 2024 cohort begins October 1, 2023

Apply by March 1, 2024 

 


PsyD in Clinical Psychology

New application opens in September for Fall 2024 consideration.

Early consideration: Nov. 15, 2023
 Regular consideration deadline is January 7, 2024


Tuition and Financial Aid

At PAU, we are dedicated to keeping education affordable and accessible. Our tuition stabilization policy ensures that tuition remains consistent and predictable throughout your academic program.

The Office of Financial Aid offers a variety of financial resources designed to help you manage the education-related expenses involved in achieving your educational goals. 

Learn more by visiting our Financial Aid page.

PAU’s Net Price Calculator

Earning your degree includes expenses beyond tuition and fees, such as books and supplies, required technology, possible travel or student membership dues, transportation, health insurance, and local living expenses for residential students.

While these expenses vary based on your degree, program format, and other factors, it is important to begin planning for your future. We recommend using PAU’s net price calculator, which provides an estimate of your cost of attendance.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Connect with PAU's Office of Admissions and Outreach

Palo Alto University’s Office of Admissions and Outreach is eager to answer all your admissions questions and connect you with helpful resources as you embark on your application process.

Please direct all general inquiries to admissions@paloaltou.edu, or you can call 650-417-2039.

Due to our remote work, our phone line is not staffed live. Please leave us a message, and we will return your call shortly.

Join Us for Upcoming Admission Events

Whether you want to tour and explore the Allen Calvin campus or schedule a virtual meeting to learn more about your program of interest, Palo Alto University regularly hosts admissions events to help you connect with current students, faculty, and staff. 

Register for upcoming admissions events.

Campus Locations

Palo Alto University

Allen Calvin Campus
1791 Arastradero Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304

Mountain View Campus 
1172 Castro Street, Mountain View
Home of the Gronowski Center

Stanford Department of Medicine

Stanford Psychiatry Building
401 Quarry Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Classrooms: 1206, 1211, 2209

Stanford School of Medicine Building
1520 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Classrooms: 115PM, 117PM

PAU Program Locations
 BS Business PsychologyBS Psychology and Social ActionMA in Clinical Mental Health CounselingMS in Psychology Master of Social WorkPhD in Clinical PsychologyPGSP-Stanford PsyD ConsortiumPhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Palo Alto (Allen Calvin Campus)     
Mtn. View - Gronowski Clinic    
Stanford University School of Medicine       
Online   
Hybrid Online Evening      

 

Degree Programs
Undergraduate Degree
Program InformationEntry RequirementsAdmission CriteriaProgram LengthLocationsTuition and Fees per Unit: 22-23Estimated Total Program Cost
BS in Psychology and Social Action84 quarter units of transferable coursework from a regionally accredited university or community college.Undergraduate Admissions2 YearsOn-Campus or Online$505$46,460 for 92 units
BS in Business Psychology84 quarter units of transferable coursework from a regionally accredited university or community college.Undergraduate Admissions2 YearsOnline$505$46,460 for 92 units
Master's Degree Programs
ProgramRequired DegreeAdmission CriteriaProgram LengthLocationsTuition and Fees per Unit: 23-23Estimated Total Program Cost
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling HybridBachelor's Degree MA Admissions9 quartersMt. View Campus and Online$623$57,939 for 93 units
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling OnlineBachelor's DegreeMA Admissions9 quarters or 11 quartersOnline with two on-campus, 1-week residencies$623$57,939 for 93 units
MS in Psychology - PhD PrepBachelor's Degree MS Admissions7 quartersOnline and a 1-week, on-campus residency $951$44,697 for 47 units
Students will pay an additional $6,657 for two summer courses after completion of the MS requirements.
MS in Psychology - Generalist Bachelor's Degree MS Admissions6 quartersOnline$951$35,663 for 37.5 units
MS in Psychology - ForensicBachelor's Degree MS Admissions6 quartersOnline$951$35,663 for 37.5 units
MS in Psychology - Technology and Mental HealthBachelor's Degree MS Admissions6 quartersOnline$951$37,089 for 39 units
Doctoral Programs
ProgramRequired Degree Average Program LengthLocationsTuition and Fees per quarter: 22-23Estimated Total Program Cost
PhD Clinical PsychologyBachelor's DegreePhD Admissions5 years
Includes culmination of both degrees, pre-doctoral internship and dissertation; does not include clinical licensure.
Palo Alto, Mt View$18,128$220,522
PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium  Bachelor's DegreePsyD Admissions

5 years

Includes culmination of both degrees, pre-doctoral internship and dissertation; does not include clinical licensure.

Palo Alto, Mt. View, and Stanford$19,947$239,970
PhD in Counselor Education and SupervisionMA in CounselingPHDCES Admissions3 yearsPalo Alto and Online$9,178 (24-25 est.)$82,602 (est.)