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Accreditation

Program Information

Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC is a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. Naropa was first accredited in 1986 and accreditation was re-affirmed in 2025. To maintain accreditation, Naropa University participates in a ten-year review process focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement in the context of HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation.

Naropa University prepared a self-study report to demonstrate that the University continues to maintain the high educational standards set by the HLC. The self-study process provided an invaluable opportunity to examine institutional practices while citing examples of excellence, the challenges ahead, and action steps leading to improvement. Documents related to that visit are included below.

VIEW HLC FINAL TEAM REPORT 2025
VIEW ASSURANCE ARGUMENT

Timeline

  • 2019: 4th Year Mid-cycle Review
  • 2023–2025: Preparation of Comprehensive Self-Study
  • April 2025: 10-year Comprehensive Evaluation and Site Visit

Additional Accreditation

Naropa University  is also accredited by these nationally recognized groups:

Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACTE)

For questions, contact: 
PO Box 804
Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679
Email: acatecouncil@gmail.com

Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE)

The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education

1 Concourse Pkwy, Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 320-1472

 
American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA)

230 Washington Avenue Extension, Suite 101
Albany, New York 12203-3539
Phone: (518) 704-3636  |  Fax: (518) 463-8656  |  E-Mail: info@adta.org 

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 

9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350

mail@caahep.org 

 

Membership

SARA Seal
 
3005 Center Green Drive, Suite 130, 
Boulder, Colorado 80301
Telephone: 720-680-1600 
 
 

FAQ

What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is the process by which an outside review body certifies a college or university as meeting certain educational standards. Accreditation is an important “stamp of approval.” Accredited colleges and universities have proven that they are committed to educational quality and improvement.

What is the Higher Learning Commission?
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation which accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions.

Has Naropa Undergone Accreditation Before?
Yes. Naropa University was first accredited in 1986 by the North Central Association and has been continually accredited since that time. Most recently, in 2015, Naropa’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the Higher Learning Commission.

What is the status of Naropa’s reaccreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)?
Thanks to the hard work of faculty and staff, Naropa submitted its self-study requesting renewal of our accredited status to the Higher Learning Commission in March 2025. The document was reviewed and signed off by the Board of Trustees prior to submission. A productive site visit occurred in April 2025, and we expect to receive the Commission’s decision by summer 2025.

Were students involved in the reaccreditation process?
Yes. In February 2025, HLC sent a student experience survey to the Naropa community. Naropa received an 18% response rate—strong engagement for a school of our size. Responses reflected a nearly even split between residential and online students.

How did students rate their experience at Naropa?
Student responses demonstrated high levels of satisfaction, with average scores above 4.0 (on a 5-point scale). Scores were especially strong in areas such as enrollment communication, progress toward degree completion, faculty availability, and overall satisfaction.

Why is Attending an Accredited College or University Important?
There are many good reasons to attend an accredited institution. Here are a few of them: Quality Education – Accredited colleges and universities deliver high quality educational programs. Financial Aid – Accredited schools receive student financial aid dollars. Transfer – Most schools will only accept transfer credits from an accredited school. Graduate School – Most graduate programs will only accept students with degrees from accredited schools.

Resources

Naropa report cover

Read Naropa's Accreditation Self-Study Report

For information on Naropa’s 2015 accreditation, please click on the following link:

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About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

Admissions & Aid

If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

Support Naropa

At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, Naropa University stands firmly rooted in its mission to create a more just and regenerative world by nurturing insight, awareness, courage, and compassion in its students. By making a gift to Naropa, you play a pivotal role in helping to create the authentic, effective & mindful leaders that the world desperately needs.

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Naropa University campuses are closed on 12/17/2025. 

Due to adverse weather conditions of high winds and planned power outages, all Naropa campuses will be closed today. 

 

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