Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University (PAU) is a private, nonprofit educational institution, founded in 1975 as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PGSP), an independent, professional school. PGSP was first accredited in 1986 by the regional accrediting body, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It has been continuously accredited since then.

PGSP re-incorporated as Palo Alto University in August 2009. PAU is dedicated to education with an emphasis in the behavioral and social sciences; to promoting future innovators and leaders for the benefit of society; to generating knowledge through research and scholarship of the highest level; and to providing services to the community informed by science and scholarship.

Engaging Minds and Improving Lives Locally and Globally through Innovative Education. Through collaborative leadership we transform in measurable and accountable ways the quality of lives through psychological insights, scientific rigor and compassion for humanity.

Students in PAU's undergraduate programs have many opportunities to participate in the larger community. Whether enrolled in on-campus or online programs, students are encouraged to get involved. Actively participating in student life enhances learning, creates friendships and builds professional relationships.

Palo Alto University’s (PAU) graduate programs are marked by our commitment to providing students with a deep understanding of human behavior through personalized classroom instruction, clinical supervision and research mentoring. PAU is dedicated to improving lives by empowering our students to rise to the next level of innovation and leadership.

Our master’s and doctoral students learn through evidence-based clinical experiences and personalized classroom instruction. Faculty approach students with individualized attention and industry expertise. Classes within PAU’s graduate programs take variety of formats: day and evening, online or through distance learning, and hands-on.

Palo Alto University offers four programs in online formats that all include weekly live class sessions via videoconference. The bachelor’s programs are college transfer programs for students who have completed their undergraduate general education transfer requirements and want to enroll to earn their bachelor’s degree. The master's degree programs are designed for students who want to become a counselor or therapist, or prepare to go on to doctoral programs in clinical psychology.

All online classes include weekly live videoconference classes in which students can interact live with their professors and classmates. The live videoconference classes are offered in the evenings (for U.S. students), so students are able to work during the day and attend classes remotely at night.

Palo Alto University’s Office of Financial Aid offers a variety of financial resources designed to help you with education-related expenses involved in obtaining your educational goal(s). Our financial assistance programs consist of grants, scholarships, fellowships, loans, and work assistance. While independent professional schools have no state support or extensive endowments, some type of federal and/or alternative student loan funding is available to almost all students.

The Financial Aid Counselors are here to assist you with the application of and processing of your financial aid, understanding all of your financial options, and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We strive to make this process as easy as possible for you.

Palo Alto University prides itself on providing a welcome environment to students from all over the world.

International students will feel welcome in the diverse San Francisco Bay Area culture. Located 35 miles south of San Francisco, Palo Alto University is situated at the apex of Silicon Valley and minutes away from Stanford University and downtown Palo Alto.

Palo Alto University is a non-profit university. This means that every dollar we raise goes to improve lives. These funds directly support our students through their educational experience, they help our Gronowski Center, and they help faculty research projects maximize their positive impact on society.

Founded in 1975 as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, Palo Alto University is dedicated to improving lives through education and research anchored in psychology, clinical training and practice in a diversity of cultures, and service to communities around the world.