Skip to content
Private nonprofit, 4-year

Palo Alto University

Palo Alto, California · www.paloaltou.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$24,604

2025

Peer median $18,677

Undergraduates

14

Student-faculty ratio 15:1

Peer median 11 : 1

“Peers” are all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Palo Alto University (PAU) is a distinguished institution located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. Founded in 1975, PAU specializes in psychology and has earned a reputation for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to mental health education. The university offers a variety of degrees, including undergraduate programs in psychology and graduate degrees in clinical psychology, counseling, and other related fields. One of PAU's notable features is its strong emphasis on applied psychology, which prepares students to effectively address real-world mental health issues. The university's mission statement underscores its dedication to promoting psychological well-being and fostering a compassionate community.

The campus environment at Palo Alto University is vibrant and supportive, encouraging a rich student life that thrives on collaboration and intellectual exchange. PAU is known for its diverse student body, which brings together individuals from various backgrounds, enhancing the cultural richness on campus. The university also boasts a well-respected faculty, many of whom are experts in their fields, contributing to an engaging learning experience. Moreover, PAU's strategic location in Silicon Valley provides unique opportunities for students, including internships and networking with leading organizations in technology and mental health. This advantageous position not only enhances the educational experience but also boosts graduates' employment prospects, making PAU a prime choice for aspiring mental health professionals.

Analysis of Tuition Trends and Student Demographics

The data from Palo Alto University reveals significant trends in tuition costs and student demographics over the years. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has shown a consistent increase, growing from $19,548 in 2014 to $23,096 in 2023. This represents an increase of approximately 18% over nine years, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where tuition hikes are common due to various financial pressures on institutions.

Graduate tuition has seen even more pronounced changes, particularly for out-of-state students, jumping from $43,812 in 2014 to $49,200 in 2024, marking an increase of around 12.5%. This sharp rise in graduate tuition could deter prospective students from enrolling, especially considering the already high levels of student debt in the U.S.

Additionally, the student population at Palo Alto University has faced a dramatic decline, particularly in undergraduate numbers, which plummeted from 191 students in 2014 to just 32 in 2023. This 83% decrease raises concerns about the university's appeal and the factors driving students away, which could include rising tuition costs, the institution's academic offerings, or competition from other universities.

The gender ratio among undergraduates has also shifted significantly, with the percentage of female students rising from approximately 66.0% in 2014 to 90.6% in 2023. This shift may indicate a growing trend of higher female enrollment in higher education, which aligns with national data showing women's increasing representation in college.

These trends highlight critical challenges and opportunities for Palo Alto University as it navigates the evolving landscape of higher education. The institution must address rising tuition costs while finding ways to attract and retain a diverse student body to ensure sustainability and academic excellence in the years to come.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, near a city
Nearest major city
San Jose, about 20 mi
Nearest international airport
Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), about 15 mi
Palo Alto, California
Also known as
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Farouk Dey (President)
Phone
8008186136
City
Palo Alto, California
Address
1791 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1337

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Health Specialty1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's90 international (0.0%)
Master's25412 international (4.7%)
Doctoral854 international (4.7%)
Top 1 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Psychology, General
9

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's121 (1% international)
  • Clinical Psychology · Master's90 (11% international)
  • Clinical Psychology · Doctoral85 (5% international)
  • Psychology, General · Master's29 (3% international)
  • Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling · Master's14 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Palo Alto University

The graduation data from Palo Alto University reveals interesting trends across various programs, especially in the fields of psychology and health-related studies. Notably, the Clinical Psychology program stands out with a significant number of master's degrees awarded, totaling 120 graduates. This reflects the growing demand for clinical psychologists in today's mental health landscape, where awareness and acceptance of mental health treatment are on the rise.

In contrast, the Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling program shows no graduates at the bachelor's or doctorate levels, which may indicate a potential gap in the training of professionals in this essential area. Given the increasing societal focus on family dynamics and mental health, there may be an opportunity for the university to enhance its offerings in this specialization to meet future demands.

The Industrial and Organizational Psychology program also highlights the importance of this field, with six international bachelor's graduates. This suggests a global interest in applying psychological principles to workplace environments, an area that continues to evolve with the changing nature of work post-pandemic.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of adapting educational programs to meet the needs of the job market. With the mental health sector experiencing a surge in demand, educational institutions like Palo Alto University may need to consider expanding their programs, particularly in areas like Marriage and Family Therapy, to adequately prepare graduates for the challenges and opportunities in today's workforce.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Psychology has 213 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.-
Clinical Psychology.$81,485
Health professionshas 135 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling.$60,669
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.$60,669

Students

1,065 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 14:86

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (14)

White
5 · 35.7%
Asian
3 · 21.4%
Black
2 · 14.3%
Unknown
2 · 14.3%
Hispanic
1 · 7.1%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Palo Alto University in 2023

The student composition at Palo Alto University in 2023 reveals significant insights into the diversity and gender distribution of its undergraduate and graduate populations. Among the undergraduate students, the data indicates a notable gender disparity, particularly among returning undergraduates, where males represent only 5.3% of the population, contrasting sharply with 94.7% females. This trend continues with transfer students, where the male percentage is slightly higher at 15.4%, yet still reflects a predominantly female demographic.

The graduate student body consists of 1,097 individuals, with a more balanced gender ratio of 14.8% males and 85.2% females. The higher proportion of female students in both undergraduate and graduate categories may point towards shifting cultural dynamics in higher education, where women increasingly pursue advanced degrees and professional careers.

In terms of ethnic diversity, while specific data for undergraduate populations is limited, the graduate student demographics reveal that out of the 1,097 graduate students, 506 are White, indicating a significant presence of this ethnic group. However, the overall ethnic breakdown is not fully disclosed, suggesting an area for further exploration and reporting to better understand the university's commitment to diversity.

The trends observed at Palo Alto University are reflective of broader societal patterns in higher education. As institutions aim to enhance diversity and inclusiveness, it is crucial to address gender disparities and encourage a more balanced representation across all student demographics. The findings prompt discussions on how universities can support underrepresented groups and create an equitable learning environment for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Palo Alto University

The age distribution of students at Palo Alto University in 2023 presents an intriguing landscape, reflective of broader trends in higher education. The most significant group comprises students aged 25-29, where we see a notable concentration of both graduate and undergraduate females, totaling 391 individuals, compared to 84 males. This gender disparity highlights a growing trend of women pursuing higher education, particularly in graduate programs, which aligns with national statistics indicating that women now earn a majority of degrees at all levels.

The 22-24 age group follows closely, with a total of 149 students, where graduate males number 17 against 140 graduate females. This trend indicates a potential shift in educational priorities and choices, possibly influenced by the increasing acceptance of pursuing advanced degrees later in life.

Interestingly, as we examine older age brackets, there is a stark decrease in enrollment, especially in the 50-64 and above 65 categories, where numbers dwindle significantly. This reflects a common phenomenon in higher education, where younger populations are more likely to engage in traditional college experiences.

The absence of students in the 20-21 age range suggests that Palo Alto University may attract a more mature student body, possibly due to its focus on graduate programs. This demographic insight invites further exploration of the motivations behind adult learners returning to academia, especially in today's fast-evolving job market, where lifelong learning is becoming increasingly essential for career advancement. Overall, the data indicates a dynamic and shifting educational environment at Palo Alto University, underscoring the importance of adapting to the needs of diverse student populations.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 1.8% in 2016

0% 7.5% 15% 2016: 1.8%2017: 5.7%2018: 7.2%2019: 7.8%2020: 5.9%2021: 0.0%2022: 10.9%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025
Graduate students10.4%

109 in 2025 · 3.4% in 2016

0% 7.5% 15% 2016: 3.4%2017: 3.2%2018: 2.8%2019: 3.5%2020: 3.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 8.1%2023: 8.6%2024: 9.3%2025: 10.4%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Palo Alto University

The data on international student enrollment at Palo Alto University reveals significant shifts over the years, particularly in the undergraduate sector. From 2008 onward, there has been a gradual increase in the number of international undergraduates, peaking at 19 students in 2009. However, the percentage of international students among undergraduates has fluctuated dramatically, reaching a high of 15.79% in 2008 before declining to as low as 1.79% in 2016. This inconsistency may reflect broader trends in international education, including changing visa regulations and global economic conditions that impact students' ability to study abroad.

In the graduate sector, the increase in both total enrollment and the number of international students is noteworthy, particularly in recent years. The percentage of international graduate students rose to 8.57% in 2023, indicating a growing appeal of Palo Alto University to international scholars. This trend aligns with the broader national narrative, where U.S. graduate programs are increasingly attracting international talent, a vital component for innovation and research.

The recent data also suggests that the university is recovering from challenges posed during the pandemic, as seen in the jump in international graduate students from 30 in 2020 to 94 in 2023. This resurgence may indicate a renewed interest in U.S. education, driven by the global quest for high-quality academic experiences and career opportunities.

Overall, while there have been fluctuations, the upward trend in international graduate enrollment at Palo Alto University signals a promising future for the institution in attracting diverse talent from around the world.

Cost

2025 tuition

$24,604

Undergraduate tuition
$24,604
Graduate tuition
$50,166
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $30,010 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose 15% from 2016 to 2025.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$39.9M

Tuition and fees
$34.8M87.1%
Sales and services of educational activities
$1.8M4.5%
Government grants and contracts
$1.1M2.7%
Investment return
$1.0M2.6%
Gifts and private grants
$449K1.1%
Other
$772K1.9%

Expenses$39.6M

Instruction
$25.2M63.8%
Institutional support
$9.2M23.2%
Student services
$3.5M8.8%
Academic support
$1.4M3.5%
Other
$280K0.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$145,668peers $67,788
Professor
$174,360peers $85,183
Associate professor
$126,816peers $76,269
Assistant professor
$126,934peers $67,938

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Palo Alto University:

  1. Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford is a prestigious research university known for its academic excellence and innovation.

  2. University of California-Berkeley - With a ranking of 15, UC Berkeley is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and diverse research initiatives.

  3. University of California-Los Angeles - Ranked 15th, UCLA is recognized for its strong emphasis on research, public service, and a vibrant campus life.

  4. University of California-Davis - With a ranking of 28, UC Davis is known for its programs in agriculture, environmental science, and veterinary medicine.

  5. University of California-Santa Barbara - Ranked 35th, UCSB is celebrated for its beautiful campus and strong programs in the sciences and humanities.

  6. California Institute of Technology - Caltech, ranked 7th, is a world-class institution known for its focus on science and engineering.

These institutions are recognized for their academic rigor and contributions to research and education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug arrests
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Palo Alto University

The crime data from Palo Alto University presents an interesting overview of campus safety over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, the university reported no incidents, indicating a period of exceptional security for its students. However, in 2017, the university recorded two incidents, resulting in a crime rate of approximately 1.77 per 1,000 students. This indicates a significant but isolated spike in criminal activity, which could be attributed to various factors, including an increase in enrollment or external socio-economic influences.

The years 2018 through 2021 reflect a return to low crime rates, with only one incident reported in 2020 and another in 2023, both of which suggest that the university has maintained its status as a relatively safe environment for students. The recorded incidents during these years were related to gun arrests, yet the overall numbers remain low, emphasizing the effectiveness of campus safety measures.

It is essential to consider that even a single incident can impact student perception and overall campus safety. Trends in campus crime can reflect broader societal issues, and universities must remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure student safety. The low crime rates at Palo Alto University may offer a sense of security, but continuous evaluation of campus safety protocols is necessary to maintain this positive trend.

For further information on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.