Private for-profit university specializing in graduate professional degrees in psychology, education, nursing, and forensics.
Alliant University operates through six academic schools: California School of Professional Psychology (clinical psychology, counseling, marital and family therapy), California School of Management & Leadership (MBA, business, leadership), California School of Education (teaching, school psychology, educational leadership), California School of Forensic Studies (criminology, criminal justice), School of Nursing and Health Sciences (BSN, MSN, occupational therapy), and San Francisco Law School. The university emphasizes graduate and professional education, with 95% of its 3,871 students pursuing postgraduate degrees. All programs are accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission, with specialized accreditations from the American Psychological Association, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and Council on Social Work Education.
Alliant maintains seven physical campuses across California and Arizona: San Diego (main), Los Angeles, Irvine, Sacramento, Fresno, San Francisco, and Phoenix. The university also operates international locations in Mexico City, Tokyo, and Nairobi. The institution phased out intercollegiate athletics programs in 2007. Alliant serves a diverse student body with a strong emphasis on working professionals and graduate students seeking specialized credentials in mental health, education, nursing, and forensic fields.
Alliant International University was formed in 2001 through the merger of United States International University (USIU, founded 1952) and California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP, founded 1969). USIU descended from Balboa School of Law, founded in 1924 by Leland Ghent Stanford. Under president William C. Rust (1953–1990), USIU expanded to operate campuses worldwide. In February 2015, Alliant transitioned to a for-profit benefit corporation under Bertelsmann Education Group ownership. In January 2026, the institution rebranded as Alliant University to reflect its shift toward a primarily U.S.-based university model.
Alliant offers specialized admissions pathways for graduate, nursing, teacher licensure, and international students. The university supports veterans and military students and provides financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Graduate admissions focus on professional credentials and licensure-leading degrees. International student services and veteran support programs are available across all campuses.