YOU ARE READY

The birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement, Naropa University is challenging mainstream higher education by inviting the whole student—mind, body, and spirit—to show up in the classroom.
 
We believe education shouldn’t be just about acing tests or memorizing facts—but should also help cultivate wisdom and compassion for the benefit of all.
 

Find Your Program

Naropa’s academic programs blend contemplative practices with traditional academic studies, igniting a spark of presence throughout the educational journey. This allows intellectual knowledge and intuitive wisdom to work together, resulting in a sense of purpose and moral clarity that drives professional success and a life of service.

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Joanna Macy Center for Resilience & Regeneration

Naropa University’s Joanna Macy Center seeks to advance Dr. Joanna Macy’s work and vision by empowering present and future generations to build a more resilient world that works for all.

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The Vow from Hiroshima

The Joanna Macy Center for Resilience and Regenerationis proud to announce a special event in honor of Earth Justice Day—a film screening of The Vow from Hiroshima and discussion featuring the film’s writer and producer, Mitchie Takeuchi.

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New Online BA Programs

We believe that education should be accessible to and inclusive of all, and these programs bring our unique approach to education straight to you—no matter where you are. Your future, your way—explore our online programs now!

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Chögyam Trungpa Institute

Based at Naropa University, the Chögyam Trungpa Institute,  serves a diverse worldwide community of those inspired by the work of Chögyam Trungpa, by the practice of meditation, and by the Buddhist tradition and teachings, historically and in contemporary times.

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Psychedelic Studies Minor

Naropa University’s BA Psychedelic Studies Minor equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the emerging field of psychedelic studies, while fostering critical thinking and ethical awareness.

Transform Yourself, Transform the World

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A Naropa education is unlike any other. Students from all walks of life and all different parts of the world come here because they are looking for a more meaningful education—one that supports their growth personally as well as professionally.

Transform Yourself, Transform the World

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A Naropa education is unlike any other. Students from all walks of life and all different parts of the world come here because they are looking for a more meaningful education—one that supports their growth personally as well as professionally.

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Naropa by the Numbers

1,057

Total # Students

32

Average Age

8:1

Student-Faculty
Ratio

14

Average
Class Size

14.2%

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FACTS AT A GLANCE

YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

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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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Spring and Summer Start Dates for the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentrations

In support of students and in response to federal legislation impacting financial aid for graduate students, Naropa University will be accepting applications for MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for spring starts through January 10.

Graduate School of Counseling concentrations listed below will be offering online and low-residency courses to start their programs in January 2026 as well as our Summer 2026 terms.

Beginning a graduate program in Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 means that you will have access to apply for Graduate Plus loans as these loans will be eliminated at the federal level starting in Fall 2026.

Contact Admissions (admissions@naropa.edu) today to learn how you can begin the next step in your graduate education journey.

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