Palo Alto University: 19 Students

19Students

$83,187Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University trains the next generation of mental health professionals through intensive clinical programs. The school specializes in graduate psychology and counseling degrees with hands-on training that prepares students for real-world practice. With just 19 students enrolled, this is an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. The rural-fringe setting in Palo Alto provides a focused atmosphere for intensive study.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for graduate education. Students graduate with a median debt of $20,500, which is remarkably low for graduate programs. New graduates earn $42,324 in their first year, but earnings jump over time. By year five, median earnings reach $70,044, and ten years out, graduates earn $83,187. Monthly loan payments average just $217, making the debt manageable given the earning potential.

This school draws a predominantly female student body, with women making up 94.74% of enrollment. The diverse student population is 26.32% White, 26.32% Hispanic, and 21.05% Black. Only 30.77% of students need federal loans, and just 19.23% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students have other funding sources. The 93.9% employment rate demonstrates strong job market demand for graduates.

Academics & Faculty

Palo Alto University specializes exclusively in graduate psychology and counseling programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know each student personally. With 94.74% of students being women, the university reflects the demographics of the mental health field. The school trains future therapists, counselors, and psychologists through hands-on clinical experience at its on-campus psychology clinic. Students gain real-world practice treating clients under faculty supervision. The quarter system allows for intensive, focused coursework in areas like marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, and counseling psychology. This specialized focus means every course directly relates to mental health practice.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 54.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $83,187
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Doctoral	$68,219
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Bachelor	$66,171
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$50,439

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

The Silicon Valley location puts you right in tech startup country, but Palo Alto University's tiny enrollment of just 19 students creates an intensely focused graduate experience. Women make up 94.74% of the student body, reflecting the psychology and counseling programs that define this specialized institution. The quarter system keeps coursework moving at a rapid pace.

With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll work closely with professors on clinical training and research. The diverse student population includes 26.32% Hispanic students and 21.05% Black students, bringing varied perspectives to mental health discussions. Palo Alto's year-round mild climate means light jackets and layers rather than heavy winter coats. Students typically rent apartments in the expensive surrounding area rather than living on campus. Weekends often involve study groups, clinical practice sessions, or exploring nearby San Francisco, just 35 miles north. The professional focus means social life revolves around program cohorts and future career networking rather than traditional college activities.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1975

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–54°F
July Avg: 57°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Palo Alto University attracts a specialized student body focused on psychology and mental health careers. Women make up 95% of enrollment, reflecting the gender demographics typical of psychology graduate programs. The student body is racially diverse, with roughly equal representation of white, Hispanic, and Black students. Only 19% receive federal financial aid, suggesting many students come from middle to upper-middle class backgrounds who can afford graduate school. The tiny enrollment of just 19 students creates an intimate learning environment centered on clinical training and hands-on therapeutic practice.

Men: 5.3%
Women: 94.7%
White: 26.3%
Black: 21.1%
Hispanic: 26.3%
Asian: 10.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.2%

Location

Palo Alto University sits in Palo Alto, California, about 35 miles south of San Francisco. The campus occupies a rural-fringe setting despite being in the heart of Silicon Valley. With only 19 enrolled students, this private graduate university operates in one of the nation's most expensive and tech-focused regions. The surrounding area buzzes with startup energy and venture capital firms. Stanford University dominates the local landscape just minutes away. Housing costs in Palo Alto rank among California's highest, reflecting the area's proximity to major tech companies like Google and Facebook. The Mediterranean climate offers year-round mild weather. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Palo Alto University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Palo Alto, California 94304-1337

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $83,187
Median Earnings (5 years): $70,044
Loan Repayment Rate: 67.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Palo Alto University?

The university enrolls just 19 students total, making it one of the smallest graduate institutions in California. Women make up 94.74% of the student body, reflecting the university's focus on psychology and counseling fields where women are heavily represented.

How much debt do Palo Alto University graduates typically carry?

Graduates leave with a median debt of $20,500 and monthly loan payments of $217. This relatively low debt burden reflects the university's specialized graduate programs and strong employment outcomes in mental health fields.

What are the academic programs like at Palo Alto University?

The university operates on a quarter system with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intensive mentorship in psychology and counseling programs. Founded in 1975, the institution has built a reputation for clinical training that prepares students for mental health practice.

What do Palo Alto University graduates earn after completing their programs?

Recent graduates earn a median of $42,324 in their first year, which jumps to $70,044 after five years and $83,187 after ten years. The employment rate of 93.9% demonstrates strong job placement in psychology and counseling careers.

Where is Palo Alto University located and what is the campus setting like?

The university sits in Palo Alto, California, in a rural-fringe setting that provides a quieter alternative to urban campuses. With only 19 students enrolled, the intimate environment allows for close collaboration between students and faculty in graduate psychology programs.

How accessible is financial aid at Palo Alto University?

Only 19.23% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage are Pell Grant recipients. The low financial aid participation rate may reflect the specialized nature of the graduate programs and the relatively small student body of working professionals.