What Is It Known For?
Alliant International University was built from three separate schools that decided to join together. San Francisco Law School opened in 1909 and taught law students for decades. United States International University started in 1927 with a focus on global education. The California School of Professional Psychology began in 1969. These three schools merged in 2001 to form Alliant, and San Francisco Law School officially joined the group in 2010.
In 2015, the university became a public benefit corporation. This means it operates as a private school but commits to serving the public good through its educational programs. Around 3,871 students currently study at Alliant, working toward careers that help their communities.
Degrees & Certifications
Some of the programs you will find here include:
- Clinical Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
- Educational Leadership and Management
- Data Analytics
- Forensic Science, Investigation, & Technology
- Hospitality Management
- Nursing
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
The university hasn’t published specific evening class times, but their online programs give you flexibility to study when it works for you. If you need evening options, call the admissions office to ask about your specific program.
Students in psychology, nursing, and education complete internships or clinical placements as part of their degrees. These experiences happen in real workplaces like hospitals, schools, or counseling centers. Online students also get these opportunities through partnerships with organizations in their local areas. The combination of flexible online coursework and required field experience helps working adults advance their careers without putting life on hold.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Alliant holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Individual programs also carry specialized accreditations from agencies in their fields.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate remains unclear because different sources report conflicting numbers. Your best bet is contacting admissions directly to understand what they look for in applicants and how you can strengthen your application.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the school’s tuition and fees page, tuition varies widely based on your program level and course load. Undergraduate courses cost around $598 per unit. Graduate programs run up to $1,500 per unit. A full-time undergraduate student taking 30 units annually might pay $17,940 in tuition alone.
Remember that tuition is just one part of your expenses. Books, technology fees, parking permits, and living costs add thousands more each year. The school’s net price calculator gives you a clearer picture of total costs after factoring in financial aid options.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Administration
- Hospitality Management
Healthcare
- Psychology
- Nursing
- BSN
- MSN
- Occupational Therapy
Technology
- Data Analytics
- Information Systems Technology
Campus Locations
Fresno 5130 E. Clinton Way Fresno, CA 93727
Irvine 2855 Michelle Drive #300 Irvine, CA 92606
Alhambra 1000 South Fremont Avenue #5 Alhambra, CA 91803
Phoenix 3110 N Central Ave Suite G-125 Phoenix, AZ 85012
Sacramento 2030 W. El Camino Ave. Sacramento, CA 95833
San Diego 10455 Pomerado Rd. San Diego, CA 92131
Emeryville 1475 66th St. Suite 104 Emeryville, CA 94608
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Alliant International University is a large, private university focused primarily on graduate-level professional practice in psychology and education. The school is highly valued by some for its specialized doctoral programs and supportive faculty, but it faces severe and consistent criticism regarding financial transparency, administrative organization, and the academic quality of its instructional delivery in some programs.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Quality Doctoral Experience and Faculty: Alumni from PhD/PsyD programs (especially in Clinical Psychology and Leadership) highly recommend the experience, praising the “Outstanding” quality of instructors and the flexibility for students working full-time.
Psychology Program Preparation: Graduates from the undergraduate Psychology program felt it prepared them well for graduate school, particularly in the research aspect.
Supportive and Personable Instructors: Many students report that professors are “very helpful and cooperative,” “personable,” and easy to connect with, creating a supportive learning environment.
Accredited Programs: The university is regionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and key programs have specialized accreditation, including Clinical Psychology (APA-accredited PhD/PsyD) and Clinical Counseling (CACREP-accredited MA).
Common Criticisms
Severe Financial Transparency Issues: This is the most critical and frequently mentioned issue, with students reporting “serious issues with financial transparency” that led to unexpected bills, debt, and feeling the student fees were “out of all proportion to the academic standard.”
Inconsistent Academic Quality and Lack of Instruction: Reviewers, especially from online and certain Master’s programs, describe a lack of academic quality where instruction is “minimal to nonexistent,” with classes relying heavily on independent reading and discussion posts.
Administrative Fees and Communication: The university is criticized for charging fees for unofficial transcripts (which other universities provide for free), having a difficult-to-use online platform, and making it difficult to get help from administrative staff.
Discrimination and Prejudice Concerns: Some reviewers expressed major concerns about perceived systemic prejudice and discrimination in the admissions process (e.g., MFT program rejection despite high GPA).
Momentum
Alliant International University maintains its reputation as a significant provider of advanced professional degrees in psychology due to its specialized accreditations. However, its future is challenged by systemic and unresolved administrative failures in financial aid and program delivery. The high volume of recent complaints regarding transparency, cost, and teaching quality indicates that these fundamental issues are causing significant student regret.