About Palo Alto University
Palo Alto University was founded in 1975 under the name of The Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. In 2009, the school officially reincorporated and changed its name from The Pacific Graduate School of Psychology to Palo Alto University and moved to a new campus. Palo Alto University works toward the mission of “generating knowledge through research and scholarship of the highest level and providing services to the community informed by science and scholarship.” Palo Alto University is a four-year, not-for-profit, private, comprehensive research university. The Palo Alto University campus is located in Palo Alto, California.
Palo Alto University has a number of degrees and certificate options available, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Several graduate degrees can be earned completely online. Palo Alto University online degrees are flexible, allowing you to earn a degree and a paycheck at the same time.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Palo Alto University is accredited by:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
1,247Fully Online Graduate Students:
7%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
50%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$10,365Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesPalo Alto University offers a degree path that can work well for working adults. Evening classes are offered online and in person, which gives students more flexibility around job hours and family life.
Coursework is still demanding, so students need steady time each week to stay on track. With a clear plan and consistent effort, the program can be a practical way to keep moving toward graduation.
Some students report uneven communication in admissions and other school offices. When those steps move slowly, progress can feel slower too, even when classes are going well.
At Palo Alto University, day-to-day academic support is a clear strength. Professors are often seen as understanding, helpful, and easy to reach. In class, students can expect steady guidance and direct help when they need it.
Outside the classroom, support can feel less steady at times. Some students describe admissions messages as generic, with steps that are not always clear. Practicum planning may also require more student follow-through, so some parts of placement can feel more self-managed than expected.
Palo Alto University offers online classes with live sessions, plus evening options online and in person. Programs come in online and hybrid formats, which can work well for adults with fixed work hours.
Classes are not self-paced, so students follow a set weekly rhythm. Live meetings add structure and help people stay connected to class.
Small cohorts make it easier to know classmates and build community. Professors are often seen as understanding about online learning and home responsibilities. The workload is manageable for many students, but it still takes steady time each week.
At Palo Alto University, classes are built for real interaction. Live sessions and small cohorts keep discussion active and personal. Students get to know classmates, not just names on a screen.
Faculty are known for being supportive, clear, and engaged. Courses go beyond basics and push students to think deeply. The pace is serious, and the workload is heavy, so time planning matters.
The program also offers strong hands-on learning. Internship and fieldwork paths help connect class learning to real practice. Research opportunities, including work with Stanford faculty, add depth to the academic experience.
Palo Alto University shines most in teaching. Professors are supportive and easy to reach. Classes are engaging and thoughtful. Small cohorts and live sessions help people build real connection.
Students often know each other, not just names on a screen. The schedule works well for many working adults. Evening online and in-person classes make planning easier. The pace is still demanding, though.
Balancing school, work, and family takes steady time each week. The main challenge is day-to-day operations. Admissions and admin messages can feel uneven or too general. Expectations are not always clear.
Practicum planning may require extra self-management. Even so, strong teaching remains the school’s biggest strength.
Palo Alto University shines most in teaching. Professors are supportive and easy to reach. Classes are engaging and thoughtful. Small cohorts and live sessions help people build real connection.
Students often know each other, not just names on a screen. The schedule works well for many working adults. Evening online and in-person classes make planning easier. The pace is still demanding, though.
Balancing school, work, and family takes steady time each week. The main challenge is day-to-day operations. Admissions and admin messages can feel uneven or too general. Expectations are not always clear.
Practicum planning may require extra self-management. Even so, strong teaching remains the school’s biggest strength.
Online Programs offered by Palo Alto University
Frequently Asked Questions About Palo Alto University
Is Palo Alto University accredited?
Yes. Palo Alto University is institutionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
How many online programs does Palo Alto University offer?
Palo Alto University offers 5 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Palo Alto University offer?
Palo Alto University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Palo Alto University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Palo Alto University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Palo Alto University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Palo Alto University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Palo Alto University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Palo Alto University programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.0 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.0 to 3.3.
Is Palo Alto University military friendly?
Palo Alto University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Palo Alto University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Palo Alto University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Interview, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Palo Alto University accept life experience credit?
Palo Alto University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Palo Alto University programs fully online or mixed?
Palo Alto University includes Mostly Online and 100% Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
Do any Palo Alto University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Are any admission tests required for Palo Alto University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Palo Alto University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Palo Alto University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Palo Alto University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Palo Alto University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Palo Alto University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Palo Alto University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Palo Alto University is featured in 2 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Palo Alto University is located in California
California at a Glance:
Top Majors in California:
Top Incentives in California:
- Cal Grant Program: Up to $12,570 annually
- Middle Class Scholarship: Up to 40% of tuition and fees
- Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Full tuition coverage
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