California Institute of Integral Studies: 57 Students

57Students

$48,848Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearResearch UniversityData: 2023-24

About California Institute of Integral Studies

This tiny graduate university draws just 57 students who want to explore the intersection of psychology and consciousness studies. CIIS built its reputation on blending Eastern spiritual traditions with Western psychological practices. The San Francisco setting attracts students interested in alternative approaches to mental health and personal transformation. Faculty work closely with students given the 17:1 student-faculty ratio.

The financial picture looks manageable for a specialized graduate program. Students typically graduate with $18,750 in debt, leading to monthly payments around $199. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings hit $48,848, though early career earnings start lower at $27,013 in the first year. About 54% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants.

Women make up over 80% of the student body, reflecting the field's gender composition. The diverse student population includes 49% White students, 16% Black students, and 12% Hispanic students. Only 46% of graduates successfully repay their loans within the standard timeframe, suggesting some may pursue lower-paying but meaningful work in counseling or alternative healing practices.

Academics & Faculty

California Institute of Integral Studies specializes in psychology programs that merge Eastern contemplative practices with Western therapeutic approaches. The school attracts students seeking alternative perspectives on mental health and consciousness studies. With just 57 students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes operate more like small seminars where students work closely with faculty mentors. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through meditation, somatic therapies, and transpersonal psychology methods rarely found at traditional universities. Women comprise 80.7% of the student body, reflecting the field's demographics. This graduate-focused institution prepares students for careers in well-rounded counseling, mindfulness-based therapy, and integrative wellness practices that combine ancient wisdom with modern psychological research.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 35.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,848
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Doctoral	$54,035
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems.	Master	$36,221
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$35,327
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Bachelor	$15,182

View all 27 programs →

Campus Life

With just 57 students total, California Institute of Integral Studies feels more like an intimate graduate seminar than a traditional university. The campus sits in San Francisco's Mission District, where students navigate fog-wrapped mornings that require layers rather than heavy coats. Women make up 80.7% of the student body, creating a community deeply focused on well-rounded psychology and consciousness studies.

The small size means 54% of students receive financial aid, often gathering in local cafes between classes to discuss transpersonal psychology theories. San Francisco's meditation centers, alternative healing practices, and progressive culture align perfectly with the school's East-meets-West philosophy. Students typically rent apartments throughout the city rather than living on campus. Weekends might involve attending dharma talks in the Castro, exploring Golden Gate Park's trails, or participating in group therapy sessions that blur the lines between coursework and personal growth. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know every student's research interests and career goals intimately.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1968

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Robbery	0	0	0	1
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–57°F
July Avg: 54°–66°F
Annual Precipitation: 22.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

California Institute of Integral Studies draws a student body that reflects its mission of healing-centered psychology. Women make up over 80% of enrollment, typical for psychology and counseling programs. The school attracts a diverse group with significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities. More than half receive Pell Grants, showing the institution serves students from modest financial backgrounds who are called to alternative approaches to mental health. This small community of 57 students represents those seeking to bridge traditional therapy with contemplative and somatic practices.

Men: 19.3%
Women: 80.7%
White: 49.1%
Black: 15.8%
Hispanic: 12.3%
Asian: 3.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 54.0%

Location

California Institute of Integral Studies sits in San Francisco, one of the nation's most expensive urban centers where the median rent exceeds $3,000 monthly. The campus occupies multiple buildings in the Mission District and South of Market areas, putting students at the heart of a city known for tech innovation and progressive culture. San Francisco's steep hills, fog-covered mornings, and proximity to both Silicon Valley and wine country create a unique backdrop for studying consciousness and psychology. The city's history of counterculture movements aligns naturally with CIIS's alternative approaches to mental health and spirituality. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California Institute of Integral Studies with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Francisco, California 94103

California Institute of Integral Studies campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,848
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,904
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $199/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at California Institute of Integral Studies?

CIIS operates with a small enrollment of just 57 students, creating an intimate learning environment focused on graduate-level psychology and consciousness studies. The school attracts students seeking alternative approaches to mental health, with women comprising 80.70% of the student body.

How much does California Institute of Integral Studies cost after financial aid?

Students graduate with a median debt of $18,750, which translates to monthly loan payments of $199. About 54% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many students from lower-income backgrounds.

What is the academic focus at California Institute of Integral Studies?

The school maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in its specialized psychology programs. CIIS is known for blending Eastern and Western approaches to healing and consciousness studies, offering a unique perspective on mental health and human development.

What are the career outcomes for California Institute of Integral Studies graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $48,848 ten years after graduation, with an 80% employment rate. However, the loan repayment rate stands at just 46.09%, reflecting the specialized nature of careers in alternative psychology and consciousness studies.

Where is the California Institute of Integral Studies campus located?

The school operates in San Francisco, placing students in one of the nation's most progressive cities for alternative healing practices. The urban setting provides access to diverse communities and practices that align with the school's integrative approach to psychology.

Does California Institute of Integral Studies have a diverse student body?

The student population is 49.12% White, 15.79% Black, and 12.28% Hispanic, creating meaningful diversity for such a small enrollment. Founded in 1968 during the consciousness movement, the school continues to attract students from varied backgrounds seeking non-traditional approaches to psychology and healing.