1. What is Naropa University?
2. Is Naropa accredited?
3. How was Naropa University started?
4. Do you have to be Buddhist to attend Naropa?
5. What role will Buddhism play in my education?
6. What is contemplative education?
7. What if I don’t want to earn a degree at Naropa University?
8. How much will it cost to attend Naropa?
9. Does Naropa offer in-state tuition discounts?
10. Do you require SAT/ACT exams?
11. Do you require a TOEFL exam for international students?
12. What are the demographics for the undergraduate program?
13. What type of housing does Naropa University provide?
14. What is Naropa’s relationship with the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU)?
15. What if I have been home schooled?
16. What if I have a GED versus a high school diploma?
17. How will my credits transfer to Naropa’s Core Curriculum?
18. What is the difference between quarter and semester credits?
19. What kind of things are Naropa graduates doing with their careers?

FAQ’s for Undergraduate Students

What is Naropa University?

Naropa University's undergraduate program is a 4 year, fully accredited bachelor degree granting program.  We accept first-time students, as well as first year, sophomore and junior transfers into our University. Our core curriculum, is a highly individualized program in which first and second year students work closely with faculty to create a path of study. Naropa University offers nine undergraduate majors in: Contemplative Psychology, Visual Arts, Environmental Studies, Writing and Literature, Early Childhood Education, Music, Religious Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Traditional Eastern Arts, and a BFA in Performance.

Is Naropa University accredited?

Naropa University was accredited in 1986 by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA). NCA is the regional accrediting agency for all Colorado public and private institutions of higher education.

How was Naropa University started?

Naropa University represents the vision of the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. Trungpa Rinpoche, a Buddhist mediation master, scholar and teacher who lived between 1940 and 1987, founded Naropa in 1974 as a summer institute. It was his view that western education would be greatly enhanced if combined with the mindfulness training offered by Eastern traditions, such as aikido, yoga or meditation.

Do you have to be a Buddhist to attend Naropa?

Naropa University is nonsectarian and open to all. The mission of the school is to create a safe container where students of all faiths can explore their spirituality. A Naropa education is marked by a spirited interchange among persons of diverse views and traditions, provoking a greater understanding of the breadth of human experience. The majority of our students are not Buddhist, nor are the majority of faculty and staff.

What role will Buddhism play in my education?

Naropa University's learning philosophy of contemplative education (see next question) is rooted in Buddhist tradition. The integration of contemplative disciplines into curriculum can help a student devote his or her full attention to their studies, classmates, and community at large.

Most classes in each of our nine majors integrates varying degrees of Buddhist philosophies and traditions. One may open with a short period of silence, another may require meditation practice, while another will be conducted as a traditional college course.  Students can integrate Buddhism into their experience at Naropa as much as they desire.

What is contemplative education?

Contemplative education balances the study of specific academic and artistic fields with traditional practices for training in present moment awareness. Through the practice of contemplative disciplines such as sitting meditation, T'ai Chi Ch'uan, yoga and many others, students develop a sense of awareness that assists the absorption and assimilation of new information, as well as synchronizing body, mind and spirit. The contemplative approach inspires openness, inquisitiveness and kindness to oneself and others. Students enrolled in Naropa University must complete two to four courses in contemplative practice prior to graduation.

What if I don’t want to earn a degree at Naropa University?

Naropa University offers a Visiting Student Program for anyone who would like to study with us for either a summer (Summer Writing Program only), semester or an academic year.  Visiting students must apply for admission by filling out a visiting student application.  Students visiting from other colleges or universities may not receive Naropa’s financial aid, however we are willing to sign consortium agreements with their home college to enable them to receive federal financial aid while visiting Naropa. Visiting students work with an admissions counselor to create a full time academic schedule that suits their needs.  Learn more about the Visiting Student Program by clicking here.

How much will it cost me to attend Naropa?

Tuition and fees:  $19,426
Books:  $664
Room and Board:  $6,894
Misc:  $2,906
Transportation:  $1,200
TOTAL:  $31,090

Does Naropa offer in-state tuition discounts?

Naropa University is a private institution, and therefore does not offer an in-state resident tuition discount.

Do you require the SAT/ACT exams?

Naropa University operates a test optional admissions program. If you would like to submit ACA and/or SAT scores, we would be happy to include them in our review process. Our ACT code is 4853 and our SAT code is 0908. Of our first-time freshmen who entered in the fall of 2006, 24% submitted their ACT scores with an average score of 24. 29% of them submitted their SAT scores with an average score of 1634.

Do you require a TOEFL exam for international students?

Applicants who are citizens of a country in which English is not the primary language must send documentation of English proficiency in order to be admitted to the university. Proof may include the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL scores of 550 for undergraduate applicants (for the paper test, the computer based test score needs to be 213 or above), and a score of 600 is required for graduate applicants (for the paper test, the computer based test score needs to be 250 or above). It takes approximately four to six months from the time the applicant first contacts TOEFL for scores to reach our Admissions Office. Applicants who take the exam in Europe (including Cyprus, Great Britain, Iceland, and Turkey) should write to CITO TOEFL, P.O. Box 1203, 6801 BE Arnhem, Netherlands or phone (609) 882-6601 to locate the nearest TOEFL center. Applicants should request that scores be sent directly to Naropa University (school code: 3342).

What are the demographics for the undergraduate program?

Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 452
60% female, 40% male
72% Caucasian, 2% Asian, 6% Multi Racial, 1% native, 5% Hispanic, 3% International & 11% chose not to respond.
26% in state, 71% out of state & 3% international
Average age: 25
Faculty: Student Ratio: 1:9
Average Class Size 13
Class Size Range: 5-32
Students Receiving Financial Aid: 68%, 41% Pell Eligible
Average Aid Package: $19,772.89
54 students were first-time freshmen with the average age of 20.
Average GPA of first-time freshmen was a 3.0

What type of housing does Naropa University provide?

Naropa University provides housing for first time students, and first-year transfer students.  You may click here for more information on Naropa University Housing.  All other Naropa students live off campus in a variety of living situations.  Our housing coordinator would be happy to assist you in finding resources for your search.  You may contact the housing coordinator at housing@naropa.edu or 303-245-4621.  Visit our housing resources page.

What is Naropa’s relationship with the University of Colorado at Boulder?

Naropa University students may take classes offered through the University of Colorado Access program or through the Boulder Evening program for the Colorado in-state tuition rate and may apply it to their Naropa degree program. Students must work with their academic advisor to get approval for this process. Naropa students may also take advantage of many of the services and activities CU offers including the Rocky Mountain Regions largest collection of books, publications and periodicals found in the five branches of Norlin Library, as well as various performing art and musical performances, cultural events and the Conference on World Affairs.

What if I have been home educated?

Naropa University welcomes applications from home educated students. In lieu of a high school transcript, Naropa University requests that home educated students present a portfolio of their work completed during their high school years. Home educated students may be creative in their presentation, but at a minimum, the portfolio should include the following:

• A narrative describing the subjects studied per year and the modes of learning for each subject
• A list of extracurricular/community activities- such as team sports, volunteer positions, and dance classes
• A list of any academic achievements during high school that support academic preparedness for college - such as internship positions
• A parent or teacher narrative
• A self evaluation of their work and how it contributed to their intellectual growth
• Transcripts from any college level courses taken (if applicable)
• Transcripts from any mainstream high school courses taken (if applicable)
• SAT and/or ACT scores are recommended but not required

What if I have a GED versus a high school diploma?

Naropa University will review applications from students who have completed a GED.  It is recommended that students submit a transcript from any high school attended.  Students must submit an official copy of their GED with their admission application.

How will my credits transfer to Naropa’s Core Curriculum?

Naropa University accepts many forms of transfer credit, including the following: Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Exams, CLEP scores, and most credits with a grade of C or above from regionally accredited colleges.  Naropa will transfer in a maximum of 60 credits, which may be applied only to core requirements (not major requirements).  Students must complete an additional 60 credits at Naropa. Naropa will accept only 30 credits that are of a vocational nature. For detailed information on the core curriculum, please click here.

What is the difference between quarter and semester credits?

Naropa University operates on a semester system, and therefore all credit granted is in semester hours or credits.  If you are transferring to Naropa from a college or university that has used the quarter system you can expect that you will lose some credits in the total transfer.  For example, if you took a class for 4 quarter credit, it would equal 2.5 semester credits.  The table below displays the quarter hour to semester hour conversion.