How to Apply

When making admission decisions, Naropa University’s admissions committee considers academic background, connection to Naropa’s unique mission and ability to engage in contemplative, experiential college work. We greatly value the added perspective, both academic and through life experience, that you as a transfer student add to our community.

If you have completed at least 30 semester credits with the grade of "C" or above, you are eligible to apply directly to a Bachelor of Arts major or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance. However, if you have less than 30 semester credits you are welcome to apply as an undeclared student. Of the 120 total semester credit hours required for a bachelor's degree, the final 60 must be taken at Naropa University. Residency is required in the first semester.

Download the transfer student fact sheet.

Priority Deadlines

Naropa University uses a priority deadline for receipt of completed applications. Applications received after these dates are reviewed on a space-available basis.

Fall Semester Admission: January 15
Spring Semester Admission: October 15

The links below are PDF files and require Adobe Acrobat Reader.  

Four Ways of Applying to Naropa University

1. Apply Online. When you apply online, you will be required to submit the application fee with a Visa or MasterCard.
2. Download the undergraduate application or the visiting student application.
3. Request that an application be mailed to you.
4. Naropa University is a member of the Common Application (www.commonapp.org). We welcome submissions either in paper or electronic form. We do require that students also submit the Common Application supplement and send it to us at:
   Office of Admissions, Naropa University,
   2130 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80302. Download the Common Application Supplement instructions here. Please note: It is important that the Common Application supplement also include the student's name, Social Security number and telephone number, as the Common Application does not have an application tracking number.
   

Undergraduate Application Requirements

Regardless of which method of applying you choose, a completed application to Naropa University’s undergraduate program includes the following items:

1. Parts A and B of the application form.
2. A $50 nonrefundable fee in the form of a check or money order, payable to “Naropa University.” The applicant's name must be clearly indicated on the check.
3. Part C - Three Essays (all must be typed and double-spaced).
4. Official college transcripts for every university attended (must be sent in a sealed envelope from the registrar).
5. Letters of Recommendation: One from a teacher and one from another teacher or someone who knows the applicant well other than a family member. These must be on the forms provided.
6. Supplemental applications and/or art samples are required for the following programs: BFA in Performance, Environmental Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Music, Visual Arts, and Writing and Literature. Supplemental applications are available online or through the Admission's Office's departmental fact sheets.
7. A phone or in-person interview is required for all programs with the exception of Writing and Literature.
8. Submission of creative work—poetry, art slides, music (optional).

International Students: Additional requirements for international students include:

• An official TOEFL score sheet showing a score of 213/550 (computer-based/paper-based) or better.
• All records of secondary and postsecondary education, including grades earned in each subject, must be translated into English and evaluated before being submitted along with the other application materials.
• A Source of Funds document.

See more detailed information on international student admission requirements.

Supplemental applications or materials are required for the following programs:

• Music: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency on an instrument or voice by submitting a recorded sample of their work, or through a
  live audition with a member of the Music faculty. Minimum level of proficiency: At least two
  years of regular study on a chosen instrument or voice.
• Visual Arts: Art portfolio consisting of 10–15 digital images, photographs or actual art no larger than 11” x 14”.
• Writing and Literature & a writing sample: 10–15 pages of original poetry or prose fiction

Certificate Students: If you have completed at least 60 semester credits, you are eligible to apply for the one-year (30 semester credits) certificate program. Certificates are available in all majors with the exception of Environmental Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Writing and Literature and the BFA in Performance. Limited financial aid is available for certificate programs.