Alternative Ways to Attend Naropa
Part-time, Non-degree Students
The part-time, non-degree student program allows an individual to take Naropa classes for credit as a nonmatriculated student. Part-time, non-degree students need not apply through the Office of Admissions. Students with part-time status may register for 0.5 to 11.5 undergraduate credits per semester or 0.5 to 8.5 graduate credits per semester. Those wishing to take more credits must apply through the Visiting Student Program. Courses are only open to the public on a space-available basis, and not all classes are open to the public. Contact the Registrar’s Office at registration@naropa.edu for more information.
There are a several ways to attend Naropa University as a non-degree student. Students may take courses for noncredit through Naropa’s Extended Campus. Students may also take online classes for credit or noncredit through our Distance Learning Program. Lastly, students may take some of our on-campus courses for credit.
On-Campus Noncredit
Please see Naropa University Extended Campus for extensive noncredit course offerings. Non-degree students may not audit other Naropa classes. Please keep in mind that courses taken for noncredit are not graded, will not be recorded in a transcript, receive no academic credit, and cannot be transferred into a degree program. They cannot be converted to credit at any later date.
Online Classes (Distance Learning)
On-Campus for Credit
Non-degree students seeking credit can register for some Naropa courses on a space-available basis. Please contact the Registration Office at registration@naropa.edu for more information. Each semester, non-degree students may take a maximum of 11 undergraduate credits or 8 graduate credits. Students wishing to take more credits should apply as visiting students.
How to Register
Start by contacting registration at registration@naropa.edu.
Naropa University does not have a list of classes open to non-degree–seeking students. Prospective non-degree–seeking students will be sent a copy of the most recent catalog to look through and must tell Registration which course(s) they are interested in.
Non-degree–seeking students must reach out to the instructor of the course(s) they’re interested in, and receive permission before they are registered for the course. Registration will guide them through the process. Not all courses at Naropa University allow non-degree–seeking students. This is to guarantee that there is ample space for degree-seeking students. Non-degree–seeking students may NOT take courses that fall under the Graduate School of Counseling and Psychology.
If a class has a prerequisite or a special requirement (as indicated in the schedule), the student must confirm with the instructor before the first day of class in order to ensure that they are properly prepared for the course. Students who fail to confirm with the instructor run the risk of being asked to leave the course if they do not meet the prerequisites. Students should get in contact with faculty through the department by contacting the department administrator. In some cases, the department administrator may contact the instructor on the student’s behalf.
Non-degree students must complete the Public Registration Form and submit it with payment in full during the registration period. Forms and payment must be submitted to:
Student Administrative Services, Naropa University, 2130 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302 (fax 303-546-3536). Offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registration periods, including add/drop dates, are available in our course schedules. Please note that some courses have alternate calendars.
Non-degree students must adhere to all Naropa policies and procedures. A current copy of the academic catalog and academic policies is available at catalog.naropa.edu.
For assistance or questions, please contact the Registration Office at registration@naropa.edu.
Tuition and Fee Information
Non-degree students do not pay a registration fee.
- Tuition for academic credit at Naropa is dependent on the program, ranging from $750-$1,090 per credit. For example, if you are interested in earning credit for a 3-credit on-campus course with a cost of $750 per credit, the cost would be $2,250.
- To register for noncredit, the cost is $250 per class.
- Some courses have specific fees associated with them. This information can be found in the schedule. Refer to the course listing in the academic catalog.
Payment in full is due at the time of registration although it will not be processed until admission in the class is confirmed. Payments are accepted in the form of cash, check, and MasterCard/Visa. For questions about tuition and for credit card payments by phone, contact the Coordinator of Student Accounts at 303-546-3554 or email tuition@naropa.edu. Federal financial aid is not available for non-degree students, though some scholarships may be available through Naropa University.
Confirmation of Enrollment
All non-degree students can attend class from the first session, but formal entry into class will be determined on the first day after the course add/drop period (when space availability is finalized). Students will then be notified by email regarding their registration status. Tuition and fee payments will not be processed if there are no spaces available.
Transfer Policies
There are specific transfer policies for graduate and undergraduate programs. If you are taking courses with the intent to transfer them into any degree-seeking program you should check carefully with your program to ensure the transfer will be approved. If you are intending to transfer credits into a Naropa graduate or undergraduate program, check with the Office of Admissions about how courses you wish to take may fit into the program you’re interested in. Be aware that Naropa will only transfer in courses taken for credit. Courses taken for noncredit cannot later be changed to for-credit.
Obtaining a Transcript
To obtain a transcript of the classes you took for credit, please go to studentclearinghouse.org.
Grade Notification
Grade reports are sent to students’ home addresses approximately four to six weeks after the semester’s end.
Questions?
Contact Registration at registration@naropa.edu.
Visiting Students
More Information
While Naropa University offers a unique and exceptional educational experience, we understand that it may not be feasible for you to spend your entire bachelor’s career with us. We have, therefore, created a program that allows undergraduate students to study at Naropa for a summer, a semester, or a year.
The Visiting Student Program allows you to register for degree classes, receive advising, and participate in all Naropa activities. Visiting students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the Naropa culture and community and are supported in exploring a contemplative practice, such as sitting meditation, yoga, t’ai-chi ch’uan, or aikido.
As a visiting student, you are given the opportunity to register early for classes. While not every course is open to visiting students and some may require permission of the instructor or prerequisites, we will do our very best to ensure that you are able to take the courses that meet your diverse needs and interests.
In order to be eligible for the Visiting Student Program, students must be full time. Students pay regular Naropa University tuition.
If you are a student who is visiting from another college or university, you may not receive Naropa’s financial aid, but we are willing to sign a consortium agreement with your home college to enable you to receive financial aid while visiting Naropa.
If you would like to take a course at Naropa and do not want to become a full-time visiting student, please explore attending Naropa as a non-degree student.
Two Ways to Apply
Visiting students may apply through any one of the following methods:
- Apply online. This is the preferred method of applying. When you apply online, you will be required to submit an application fee with a Visa or MasterCard. Current students, staff, faculty, and alumni are not required to submit an application fee.
- Request that an application be mailed to you.
Visiting Student Admissions Requirements
Regardless of which method of applying you choose, a completed application to Naropa University’s undergraduate visiting student program includes the following items:
- The Undergraduate Visiting Student Application form. Using the online application is strongly encouraged. Applicants may also print off the visiting student application form and mail it to the Office of Admissions.
- A $50 nonrefundable fee. If you do not submit your payment online, then you may send the Office of Admissions a check or money order, made payable to “Naropa University.” Your name must be clearly indicated on the check.
- Official transcripts of every undergraduate institution you have attended.
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher or someone who knows you well. The letter may not be from family members, spouses, or current therapists. The letter must be on or attached to the letter of recommendation form. You can download the letter of recommendation form here. This letter must be in a sealed envelope, and must be signed by the recommendation writer. Scans, faxes, copies, emails, and opened letters can not be accepted. If extenuating circumstances prevent the use of mail, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@naropa.edu.
Please email us at admissions@naropa.edu if you have any questions. We welcome you as a visiting student to experience the wisdom of Naropa University.
Extended Studies supports Naropa’s mission in the larger community by offering workshops, lectures, conferences, online courses, and professional development programs. Graduate and undergraduate courses are available at a reduced tuition rate if not taken for credit. Letters of attendance are available upon request for selected programs. There is no admission process for those wishing to pursue noncredit study at the university. However, certain professional development programs do require an application to be submitted to the program director. Students taking classes on a noncredit basis do not receive course work evaluation or transcript services. To check on current offerings, visit Extended Campus.
Distance Learning
Distance Learning offers a variety of courses and low-residency and online degree programs from the heart of its curriculum, translated for interactive online delivery by Naropa faculty. The dynamic online learning communities utilize the latest available technology to allow students to complete course material with a minimum of technological needs. Students interact with other students and the instructor through a variety of means, including message boards, a journal feature, chat rooms, and a document-sharing page. Students access printed lectures, audio and video lectures, message boards, and online discussion areas.
Applicants who would like information about pursuing a low-residency graduate degree or online undergraduate degree at Naropa may visit the Admissions & Aid section, may email admissions@naropa.edu, or may call 303-546-3572 or 1-800-772-6951 (outside the 303 area code).
