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. Nontraditional and home-educated students and all those with a high school degree or GED are welcome to apply.

Suggested Deadlines

Naropa University uses a suggested 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

As of April 1, we are accepting applications for all programs.

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. Current students, staff, faculty and alumni are not required to submit an application fee.
2. Download the undergraduate 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. A completed application form or a completed visiting student application form.
2. A $50 nonrefundable fee in the form of a check or money order, payable to “Naropa University.” The applicant's name and Social Security number must be clearly indicated on the check.
3. Official high school transcript for freshman applicants (0 to 30 credits).
4. Official copy of a GED (if no high school diploma), which must be accompanied by a high school transcript (see #3).
5. Official college transcripts for every university attended (must be sent in a sealed envelope from the registrar).
6. Naropa University is a test optional university. If you would like to submit ACT and/or SAT original score reports, we would be happy to include them in our review of your application. Naropa University’s ACT code is 4853; SAT code is 0908.
7. 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.
8. A phone or in-person interview is required for all programs with the exception of Writing and Literature.
9. 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.

Transfer Students: If you are a transfer student and have completed at least 30 semester credits with the grade of "C" or above, you are eligible to apply directly to an upper-division major. See the Basics of Transfer Credit.

Supplemental applications are required for the following programs:

• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Music
• Visual Arts
• Writing and Literature & a writing sample: 10–15 pages of original poetry or prose fiction
• BFA in Performance

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.

Visiting Students: If you are a student in high school or another college and would like to attend Naropa as a full-time student for either a semester or a year, you are eligible for the Visiting Student Program. In addition to the application requirements listed above, you must also provide:

• A list of classes in the order of preference that you would like to take. See academic catalog.

The Basics of Transfer Credit

Students with 29 college credits or fewer apply to Naropa as undeclared students. Students with 30 credits or more, may apply to their chosen areas of study.

• Credits can be transferred with a grade of “C” or better.
• A maximum of 60 semester credits will be accepted.
• A maximum of 30 technical or vocational credits will be accepted.
• No physical education credits will be accepted unless they resemble courses offered at Naropa.
• No remedial courses taken in college will be accepted.
• Up to 30 transfer credits obtained through one of the following non-traditional methods will be accepted:

CLEP: The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is administered by the College Board. It is offered in many subject areas. By taking a CLEP exam and receiving a passing score, you can earn up to 30 credits for transfer into college. CLEP tests are given at Red Rocks Community College in Denver, or to find out where exams are administered in your community, contact the national CLEP phone line at 609-771-7865; P.O. Box 6600, Princeton, N.J. 08541.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Credit: Naropa University gives credit for both AP and IB exams. Please contact the Office of Admissions for more details.