How to Apply to Naropa
Undergraduate Costs & Aid
Aligning Aspirations with Budgets
At Naropa University, we work to keep things authentic. Here's the yearly cost for a Naropa education with no scholarships or financial aid applied:
2020–2021 and 2021–2022 Academic Years
$34,600 Tuition & Fees
+$5,980 Student Housing at Snow Lion (shared room in an apartment)
+$2,332 Student Health Insurance (based on 2020–2021, may change for 2021–2022)
$42,912 Total
Most Naropa students do not pay this amount. Over 70% of our undergraduates received grants and/or scholarships to help with their education-related expenses in the 2019–2020 academic year.
Financial Aid Available to Undergraduates (Per Year)
- Naropa Grant: aid based on need up to $24,000
- Transfer Scholarship: $5,000
- Academic Achievement, Academic Honors, and Academic Excellence Scholarships: $5,000–$10,000
- Internal Scholarships: more information can be found here
- Outside Scholarships: monies awarded by non-Naropa sources
- Federal Pell Grant: Federal aid based on financial need, up to $6,345 (based on 2020–2021)
- Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): Federal aid based on financial need, up to $1,000
- Colorado State Grant: State aid available to Colorado residents.
- Federal Direct Loans: $5,500 to $12,500 depending on FAFSA dependency status and credits earned
- Parent PLUS Loan: Federal credit-based loan available to parents to cover the gap between aid and cost of attendance, for dependent students
- Work-Study: on-campus and off-campus employment opportunity based on need
- Naropa Student Employment: on-campus employment opportunity for international students, or student who do not demonstrate need.
Undergraduate Costs & Aid
Undergraduate Cost Calculator
Naropa University Net Price Calculator
At Naropa, we strive to make a Naropa education accessible to as many students as we can.
To get a better idea of what you might pay at Naropa, run your numbers through Naropa's Net Price Calculator.
*Average scholarships and grants reflect the average of those students receiving this type of aid.
Undergraduate Costs & Aid Resources
Undergraduate Scholarships
Application Deadline
The scholarship deadline is April 1, unless otherwise noted.
Scholarship Requirements
To be considered for Naropa's institutional scholarships, students must meet the following criteria by the scholarship deadline:
- Be admitted into a degree program
- Be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester
- Students must be enrolled full-time for both fall and spring (exceptions: Transfer Scholarship, Academic Achievement Scholarship, Academic Honor Scholarship, and Academic Excellence Scholarship may be awarded to eligible full-time students who are starting in the spring semester)
- Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (returning students only)
- Have a complete financial aid application on file (FAFSA or International Financial Aid Application), unless otherwise stated in the scholarship description
- The 2021–2022 FAFSA is considered complete when the application contains complete 2019 tax information
Additional Information
- Scholarships range from $500 to $10,000/academic year
- Receiving more than one institutional scholarship could affect your eligibility for, or the amounts of other forms of aid, including scholarship awards
Scholarships by Nomination
Students who meet the above listed scholarship requirements are automatically considered for the following awards.
No separate application or materials are required to be considered.
Non-Program Specific Awards
$5,000 per full academic year
To qualify you must have completed 12 or more semester credits post high school and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better and have a completed aid application on file.
You may be eligible for a higher value academic scholarship dependent on GPA. The transfer scholarship cannot be combined with other academic scholarships.
The scholarship will renew each academic year, as long as a student:
- Continues to be enrolled in full-time (valid for up to seven semesters of study)
- Remain in good academic standing and make satisfactory progress toward a degree
- Completes a new aid application (FAFSA or International Student Aid application) each year
Academic scholarships are awarded to new, entering undergraduate students who will be enrolled full-time. Awards are based on a student's cumulative GPA. No additional materials are required in order to be considered, however, the financial aid application (FAFSA or International Financial Aid Application) is required.
Academic scholarships offered for 2020-2021 academic year are as follows:
- Academic Excellence, GPA of 3.5+ awards $10,000 per full academic year per student
- Academic Honors, GPA of 3.0-3.49 awards $7,500 per full academic year per student
- Academic Achievement GPA of 2.75-2.99 awards $5,000 per full academic year per student
The scholarship will renew each academic year, as long as a student:
If you received a GED, have a narrative transcript, or a home-school transcript, please contact the Office of Admissions to determine your eligibility.
Find Out If You Are Eligible
Awarded annually to an international graduate or undergraduate student who has financial need and who does not qualify for US Federal aid. Students interested in the scholarship must have an International Student Financial Aid Application on file. No other application is required.
Awarded to one entering first-year student who exhibits strong academic promise and significant financial need.
Awarded to an outstanding graduate or undergraduate student to provide financial support in honor of Arbie Thalacker’s commitment to contemplative education, to the Naropa learning experience, and to Naropa students.
Awarded to one or more incoming graduate or undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise, preferably in the arts.
Peace Studies
Awarded annually to one undergraduate student engaged in the study of peace at Naropa University. Selection is based on nomination by the department.
Environmental Studies
The Frances Harwood Scholarship is awarded to one outstanding Environmental Studies student each year based on departmental recommendation. No separate application is required.
Awarded annually to an undergraduate in Environmental Studies or to a graduate student in Resilient Leadership. No separate application is required.
Music
Awarded to one or two returning undergraduate music students each year by Naropa’s Music Department. The award amount may be divided between recipients, and is nonrenewable. Naropa’s Music Department should be contacted for more information.
Scholarships Requiring Applications
Friends of Thomas Coburn (Naropa President Emeritus) and Leigh Berry have made charitable gifts to this fund to support first generation college students with financial need.
One or two students per year are selected to receive all or part of the award. Students who wish to be considered for the scholarship should submit to the Financial Aid Office a brief essay (1-2 pages) describing the student's eligibility for the award. Eligible applicants will be first generation undergraduate students (neither parent attended college), demonstrate financial need (through the FAFSA), be a United States citizen or permanent resident, and have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Awards are not automatically renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years.
Awarded to one incoming or returning, graduate or undergraduate student who identifies with, or who can demonstrate experience working with populations of color. The scholarship is available only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years. Students of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants should submit a 1-2 page essay describing the student's current and past involvement with communities of color. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and will be reviewed by a committee. Students applying for this scholarship must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for undergraduate students) or a 3.5 (for graduate students).
Awarded to one or two returning full-time graduate or undergraduate students per year, who identify with, or who have experience working with underrepresented populations. The scholarship is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years. Students from underrerpresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants should submit a 1-2 page essay describing the student's current and past involvement with underrepresented communities. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and will be reviewed by a committee. Students applying for this scholarship must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for undergraduate students) or a 3.5 (for graduate students).
The Marvin I. Naiman Scholarship will be awarded by the Office of Financial Aid at Naropa University on an annual basis to an undergraduate student of non-traditional age (e.g. 23 and over) with demonstrated financial need. When possible, strong preference will be given to the individual who most exemplifies Marvin's pursuit of self-knowledge, personal and intellectual discovery, and generosity of spirit. Marvin brought with him unflagging curiosity and a bright, even twinkling spirit. It is the intention of this scholarship to continue to invite and retain energy of this nature at Naropa University.
Marvin was very concerned about the difficult burden carried by single parents--particularly single mothers. He also held a passion for living in community. When possible, the University will consider students with these characteristics for the scholarship as well.
Students should submit an essay (one or two pages) addressing the above qualities.
This scholarship was established to honor Gerald Red Elk and is awarded to one undergraduate or graduate student at a time, who identifies with or can demonstrate experience working with a Native American population (preference given to Native American groups within the US). To qualify, the applicant must write an essay (no more than 3 pages in length) that documents past or current service to, or the impact of being part of, the Native American population, and explains the intended use of the degree in service to the tribe. Materials should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office, and student must meet all other criteria for financial aid. Native American students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Awarded to one or more undergraduates who are US citizens or permanent residents and who:
- Successfully completed at least two courses that are part of the concentration in Psychology of Health and Healing
- Demonstrate a commitment to helping others, an interest in wisdom traditions, and a strong intention to enter the professional field of health and healing
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5
Upload a 500-700 word personal statement addressing your commitment to helping others, interest in wisdom traditions, and intention to continue study and enter the professional field of health and healing.
Summer Writing Program
Zora Neale Hurston Scholarship
The Zora Neale Hurston scholarship is awarded to selected students who identify as, or who have experience working with, people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrouinds. The award amount covers full tuition and housing costs for a shared room at Snow Lion Apartments (for out-of-state recipients) for one week of the Summer Writing Program (credit or noncredit). A total of three recipients, with one week scholarships will be awarded. Awards are based on exceptional literary merit and promise, as well as financial need. Students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
kari edwards Scholarship
The Summer Writing Program Scholarship in memory of kari edwards is offered annually to one credit or noncredit student accepted into Naropa University’s Summer Writing Program. Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and be involved in gender activism and writing experimental works.
The Institute of American Indian Arts Scholarship
The Institute of American Indian Arts Award is given annually to one current undergraduate student enrolled at the Institute of American Indian Arts, who will be attending the Summer Writing Program. The award covers full undergraduate tuition for the three weeks of the SWP and includes housing in Snow Lion at the shared room rate.
Amiri Baraka Scholarship
The Amiri Baraka Scholarship is offered to noncredit participants in Naropa's 2018 Summer Writing Program. Each scholarship will cover one week of noncredit Summer Writing Program tuition and, if needed, a room in a shared apartment at Snow Lion Apartments for seven nights. Three or more recipients, with one week scholarships, will be awarded. Students do not need to complete a Financial Aid Application (FAFSA or International Aid Application) to be considered. Your personal essay should include your writing's connection to the work and legacy of Amiri Baraka specifically, and the Black Arts movement in general.
- How does your work continue the Black Arts movement's experiments in combining formal innovation and the dynamics of vernacular speech?
- How does it transcend genre?
- How does it speak for racial equality and revolutionary political commitments?
Students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Margaret Randall Scholarship in Memory of Mark Behr
The Margaret Randall Scholarship in Memory of Mark Behr is offered annually to two non-credit participants in Naropa’s Summer Writing Program. Each scholarship will cover, one week of non-credit Summer Writing Program tuition and, a room, if needed, in a shared apartment in Snow lion residence hall for seven nights. The scholarships will be awarded to writers of extraordinary talent and promise. Students do not need to complete a Financial Aid Application (FAFSA or International Aid Application) to be considered. To apply applicants will need to submit a personal essay, 500 to 700 words in length, addressing their recent accomplishments, current projects, or publications of their work; and 5-10 pages of poetry, prose, or translation.
Students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Apply for Summer Writing Program Scholarships
- New students receive their MyNaropa username and password via email after submitting their Application to the program.
- Students must log in to their MyNaropa account with their username (Student ID) and password.
- Click HERE to be directed to the SWP Scholarship Application under "Public Registration" on MyNaropa.
All scholarship applications are due by April 1st. All applicants will be notified of scholarship decisions no later than June 1st.
Grants
Naropa Grant
Awarded to full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students who demonstrate high financial need.
Federal Pell Grant
Federal grant based on financial need.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Need-based federal grant awarded to a limited number of applicants who demonstrate high financial need.
Colorado State Grant
Undergraduates must meet Colorado residency guidelines and demonstrate financial need in order to qualify for Colorado-funded financial aid.
Undergraduate Employment
Work-Study
Students with a work-study award can apply for a work-study employment position on-campus or through one of our approved off-campus work-study sites as part of the community work-study program. Students can work 5 to 20 hours per week. Students are paid twice per month. Earnings are paid to the student and are subject to taxation. Students must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for work-study. Receiving a work-study award is not a guarantee of employment.
The Resident Assistant position does not require students demonstrate financial need. This position requires a student live in University Housing for which a full housing scholarship is given. This is a 20-hour-per-week position in which students are paid twice per month. Please note that receiving more than one institutional form of aid (including the RA position) could affect your eligibility for, or the amounts of, other forms of aid, including scholarship awards. If you are awarded an RA position and you have already requested the maximum in the Grad/Parent PLUS Loan, we will need to reduce the Grad/Parent PLUS Loan to make room for the RA position payment and housing scholarship. If the application is open, it can be found via the work-study positions link below.
View and apply for work-study positions
Community Work-Study
Naropa employs a small percentage of students at the following nonprofit organizations in the Boulder area through the community work-study program:
Community work-study is a great opportunity to be of service to the community and work with children and adults in tutoring, counseling, and teaching. You must be eligible for work-study and be a United States citizen to hold a work-study job at a community work-study site.
View and apply for community work-study jobs
How to Apply for a Community Work-Study Job
- Contact the site/organization directly to inquire about available jobs and the application process
- If the site selects you for a position, students must also complete Naropa’s employment application and new hire process:
- Background check release and authorization
- New hire paperwork
- Once you’ve completed the above listed forms, take them to Human Resources along with your work authorization documents noted on the third page of the I-9 Form
- Common forms of identification include passport, driver’s license, and social security card or birth certificate. These documents need to be presented to Human Resources within 3 business days of your first day of work
- Human Resources is located at 1630 N 63rd St, Boulder, CO 80301
- Phone: 303-245-4700
- humanresources@naropa.edu
- If the site/organization selects you for a position and you have successfully completed Naropa’s new hire process, Student Financial Services will contact your site supervisor to confirm you can start working in your position
Undergraduate Loans
Federal Direct Loans
The following federal Direct student loans are available to undergraduates:
Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans:
- 2.75 % interest rate*
- 1.057% origination fee (for loans disbursed after 10/1/2020, but prior to 10/1/2021)*
- 6-month grace period
- Subsidized loan—interest is subsidized by the federal government while student is enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester
Lending Limits—Dependent Students
1st Year: $5,500 ($3,500 may be subsidized)
Sophomore: $6,500 ($4,500 may be subsidized)
Junior/Senior: $7,500 ($5,500 may be subsidized)
Lending Limits—Independent Students
1st Year: $9,500 ($3,500 may be subsidized)
Sophomore: $10,500 ($4,500 may be subsidized)
Junior/Senior: $12,500 ($5,500 may be subsidized)
Parent Plus Loan
Federal loan available to credit qualifying parents to assist in paying a dependent student’s educational expenses.
- 5.30% interest rate*
- 4.228% origination fee (for loans disbursed after 10/1/2019, but prior to 10/1/2020)*
- Parents can borrow up to a student’s cost of attendance minus other forms of aid a student has been awarded
*Interest rates and origination fees for future academic years change yearly based on the auction of the Treasury bill in the spring
Review Federal Student Loan Borrowing History
Students can review information regarding their federal grants and federal student loans, including borrowing history, through the Federal Student Aid Website.
- You will need your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA-ID) to enter the site
- You must Create an FSA ID, if you haven't already done so, in order to access Department of Education websites, such as FAFSA
Direct Loan Consolidation
Students can consolidate their federal student loans into one loan.
Loan Repayment
There are various loan repayment plans available through the Department of Education. A few repayment plans are listed below:
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- Standard Repayment
- Income Contingent Repayment Plan—ICR*
- Income-Based Repayment—IBR*
- Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan*
- Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan*
*Students may be eligible for loan forgiveness
Public Service Loan Forgiveness FORGIVENESS
Individuals employed full-time with a public service organization may be eligible for loan forgiveness.
Private Student Loans
Naropa University awards educational loans primarily from the Direct federal student loan program. Some lenders advertise private loans that “mimic" the federal student loan program, but which differ in important ways. Private student loans:
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- Cannot be included in a federal consolidation loan
- Are not eligible for income-driven repayment plans
- Are not eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Result in an additional monthly student loan payment for the borrower
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Aid from all sources cannot exceed a student's estimated cost of attendance. Please send an email to finaid@naropa.edu with the words "Private Loan" in the subject line if you would like to start the process of requesting the inclusion of a private loan in your financial aid package.
Naropa University does not endorse or promote any private loan program or lender. Borrowers are encouraged to review federal student loan options before considering private loans since federal loans will generally have more favorable terms and conditions.
State Aid
Undergraduates who are residents of Colorado, may be eligible for Colorado-funded, state aid. Students must complete the FAFSA. They must also submit documentation of in-state status and the:
- 2020-21 Residency Classification for State Financial Aid for Undergraduates
Awards are limited to fulltime students with significant financial need. Students may retain their Colorado-funded state aid in subsequent years provided they maintain fulltime status, maintain satisfactory progress, and continue to demonstrate significant financial need. They must also maintain state residency.
Types of Aid
Colorado State Grant
Awarded to Colorado residents who demonstrate financial need.
Colorado Work-Study
Students awarded Colorado work-study may apply for on-campus work-study jobs.
Undergraduate Student Veteran Benefits
Veterans' Benefits
Naropa University is approved by the Colorado Office of Veterans Education and Training (COVET) for Veterans Education Benefits. Veterans should request information on eligibility requirements and application procedures from the Financial Aid Office or from their local Veterans' Administration branch.
Yellow Ribbon Program
As a part of participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Naropa University offers a matching grant to students eligible for 100% of VA Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Under this program, Naropa is able to provide this form of funding to 50 graduate students and 50 undergraduate students, up to $10,000/year, to help cover required tuition and fee costs above the Chapter 33 IHL cap.
Students eligible for any form of VA Education Benefits should notify the Financial Aid Office to ensure timely certification of benefits.