Admissions
Receive a Degree from a University Dedicated to Psychology & Counseling
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
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
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 January 8, 2024
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
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.
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.
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
| BS Business Psychology | BS Psychology and Social Action | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | MS in Psychology | PhD in Clinical Psychology | PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto (Allen Calvin Campus) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Mtn. View - Gronowski Clinic | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Stanford University School of Medicine | ✔ | |||||
| Online | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Hybrid Online Evening | ✔ |
Undergraduate Degree
|
Program Information |
Entry Requirements |
Admission Criteria |
Program Length |
Locations |
Tuition and Fees per Unit: 22-23 |
Estimated Total Program Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
84 quarter units of transferable coursework from a regionally accredited university or community college. |
Undergraduate Admissions |
2 Years |
On-Campus or Online |
$505 |
$46,460 for 92 units |
|
| BS in Business Psychology | 84 quarter units of transferable coursework from a regionally accredited university or community college. | Undergraduate Admissions | 2 Years | Online | $505 | $46,460 for 92 units |
Master's Degree Programs
|
Program |
Required Degree |
Admission Criteria |
Program Length |
Locations |
Tuition and Fees per Unit: 23-23 |
Estimated Total Program Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor's Degree |
MA Admissions |
9 quarters |
Mt. View Campus and Online |
$623 |
$57,939 for 93 units |
|
| MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online | Bachelor's Degree | MA Admissions | 9 quarters or 11 quarters | Online with two on-campus, 1-week residencies | $623 | $57,939 for 93 units |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
MS Admissions |
7 quarters |
Online and a 1-week, on-campus residency |
$951 |
$44,697 for 47 units |
|
| MS in Psychology - Generalist | Bachelor's Degree | MS Admissions | 6 quarters | Online | $951 | $35,663 for 37.5 units |
| MS in Psychology - Forensic | Bachelor's Degree | MS Admissions | 6 quarters | Online | $951 | $35,663 for 37.5 units |
| MS in Psychology - Technology and Mental Health | Bachelor's Degree | MS Admissions | 6 quarters | Online | $951 | $37,089 for 39 units |
Doctoral Programs
|
Program |
Required Degree |
Average Program Length |
Locations |
Tuition and Fees per quarter: 22-23 |
Estimated Total Program Cost |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | PhD Admissions |
5 years |
Palo Alto, Mt View | $18,128 | $220,522 | |
| PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium | Bachelor's Degree | PsyD 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 |