Naropa University

Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, 50% queer-identifying & student-centered liberal arts university in Boulder, Colorado. A recognized leader in contemplative education, Naropa's undergraduate programs emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and contemplative practice. Through rigorous academics, faculty mentoring, contemplative practice, and community engagement, Naropa students develop the abilities to think critically, to communicate effectively, and to know their hearts and minds. The result: Graduates who live deeply fulfilling lives working to improve people's lives and the condition of our planet.

Accepts first-year applicationsWestPrivateUrbanSmall (2,000 and under)Co-Ed

Virtual Tour

Academic programs

Liberal Arts
Visual Arts

Student experience

Co-op/Internship Opportunities
Disability Services
LGBTQIA Services
Military/Veteran Services
On-Campus Housing
Study Abroad
Distance/online learning

Application information

First-year

Fill out a short admissions application and submit your transcripts. An Admissions Counselor will make every attempt to review your application and issue a decision within a week of receiving all required documents. The documents you are required to submit depend on your prior academic performance. If you have any questions about which documents we require of you, you can simply begin by completing the admissions application.

Transfer

Naropa is a transfer-friendly university. In fact, most of our undergraduate students started their degrees elsewhere and are finishing them at Naropa. Why? Because they want a meaningful education that will help them develop personally as well as professionally. Transfer students follow the same application process and are afforded all of the same benefits as first-time students. Please submit all college transcripts, as well as high school transcripts when applying for admission.

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Additional information

Rolling Admission
Naropa University uses a rolling admissions policy, meaning no application deadlines. Applying early provides applicants with the greatest chance to be considered for financial aid eligibility and allows us to process application documents in a timely manner. However, the Office of Admissions will gladly continue to review applications until the school year begins.

Scholarships & Grants
Naropa University offers generous scholarships, grants, and financial aid to help you afford Naropa's contemplative education. 74% of undergraduate receive some form of financial aid. 64% of undergraduate receive grants and scholarships that don't need to be repaid.

Transform Yourself

Through contemplative practice you will learn to quiet your mind so you can see what makes you you—which will help you make better decisions about…everything. What are your strengths and challenges? What are you passionate about? How can you harness your amazing “you-ness” to make the world a better place?

Visit us

Naropa University is unlike any other college or university in the country offering a radically individualized education that allows you to not only explore your deepest passions but also your most profound self.

Is Naropa part of your path? Schedule a virtual appointment and find out. Learn more: at https://www.naropa.edu/admissions-aid/plan-a-visit/
We currently offer:

Virtual appointments with Admissions Counselors
Virtual appointment with Student Financial Services
Virtual Experience Naropa open houses
In-person & virtual campus tours

I am continually surprised by the connections I make through Naropa and am grateful that my academic, activist, and spiritual interests are encouraged to grow here.