Palo Alto University Reviews

"Palo Alto is growing rapidly and is quickly making a larger name for itself in the field. I really enjoy my classes and the cohort model has been wonderful as I've gotten to know my classmates very well. Also, it's worth noting that PAU is affiliated with Stanford and I've been able to do research with Stanford university professors, so that's been pretty cool! This program is what you make of it, but if you are a dedicated student and have a love for the content that you're learning, you'll do great :).Read Less"

"I am pretty new to the M.A. in Counseling program but it’s been great so far! I have a small cohort and all of the classes are live so I really feel like I know my classmates and professors. This school seems to be on the up-and-up and it sounds like the program is growing larger every year (probably because of the CACREP accreditation). Overall I’m very happy here."

"Palo Alto University provides a wonderful program and learning environment that caters to the individual who still needs to work by having evening classes online and/or in person, but also who wants to further their education in the field of psychology and counseling. Had this program not been as flexible as they are, I would have not been able to obtain my Masters and move onto a career that I am passionate about. I truly value the input, advice and wealth of knowledge the professors and staff have to offer at this school as well.Read Less"

"After researching many graduate counseling programs on the West Coast, I decided to receive my masters in counseling at Palo Alto University because of the service they provide to veterans and their families through the Palo Alto Veterans Center and Veteran's Administration. The staff fully supports my passion and I hope to serve these communities, post graduation. I look forward to learning more from them and my peers throughout the program. Specifically, they actively promote internships and fieldwork through the veteran's administration as well as career guidance post-graduation, to serve in this field. It is such a privilege to work with and learn from some of the best in this field and I am honored to attend Palo Alto University.Read Less"

"Good learning environment, helpful staff members, professional"

"I am in the Psy.D program that is a consortium between PAU and Stanford Psychiatry. This program is excellent not only in terms of rigor but in the energy that the administration puts into making sure that students are successful. They are always updating us on opportunities to get involved in research as well networking opportunities with alumni in the area. The clinical training is excellent, starting in the first year we are exposed to classes such as helping skills to then CBT in our second year. The program is very supportive in terms of the application process for clinical placements and also has captive sites at various VA location and at Stanford Psychiatry (these are spots only open to our students).Read Less"

"PAU'S undergraduate program is lacking in my areas, the hiring process of instructors is poor and the lectures are poorly put together. Ultimately the learning experience at PAU was below satisfactory and I wouldn't recommend the undergrad program to anyone. Had I known that the school was going to be structured this way, I would have attended a different university. Although the program is lacking a lot, I am happy that I met awesome students that I know I'll be friends with in the long run. That's about it :/Read Less"

"This is a small school. This allows for a greater access to faculty for advising and general advice. Everyone is incredibly helpful and wish to see you succeed. The program is very expensive though so be aware of that. The focus here is on clinical work rather than research."

"I attended Palo Alto University and it was an awesome experience. I completed my Masters degree online with the exception to a one week course in person on the actual campus. Even though the program was online, they did a really great job creating a class room environment online. I learned quite a bit and made some great connections with my peers and professors. They tell you the program curriculum and what is expected of you, so it is very easy to stay on track, but ultimately you have to put in the work.Read Less"

"The cost of the school and the cost of living in California is expensive but it is a fairly good program and I am learning a lot."

"Great instructors for the most part, could be very challenging at times, what I learned has stuck with me"

"The professors, faculty and students are all very helpful and welcoming. One is able to find the help that one needs rather quickly. One feels very welcomed and feels that one can find help by simply asking. Although reaching out is easy on campus, it is a bit difficult to find housing for a reasonable price in the area. There is no housing on campus which leaves one on their own to find housing in the city or surrounding areas. The Bay Area is a very expensive place to live."

"Good name in the professional world but the program costs so much."

"I think that one of the largest pros of this program is the connection to the Stanford School of Medicine. In this sense you are able to have that many more resources available and there are always opportunities to get involved with research (they actively recruit Psy.D students). Of course the campus is beautiful and the staff are very supportive of your professional growth and academic achievement, which are big positives of the program as well. The con of this program is the hefty price tag, and the seeming difficulties that exist in terms of available scholarships.Read Less"

"PAU Counseling program is excellent and has exceeded my expectations. It's multicultural framework is relevant to today's consumer. The instructors and courses are top notch."

"The Program is well designed and thoughtful for a working professional. The staff and students are focused on providing the training and experience to make a student thrive after graduation."

"Palo Alto has a wonderful program, the only drawback is that it is really expensive and there is not a lot of financial aid."

"This is a wonderful and prestigious program that more than adequately trains the students that study there."

"I enjoy PAU very much. It is an expensive program, but a good value compared to similar programs at SFU. Financial aid is primarily loans, and if you're coming out here to go to school, cost of living is insane, but that isn't PAU's fault. Overall a great school for psychology."

"I am still currently in my first quarter, however, I absolutely love the staff and faculty. They will go above and beyond in order to help you achieve your educational goals an get the best out if the program. The biggest con for me is my own personal transition from undergraduate education to graduate level."