Life at NaropaLiving in BoulderAbout Boulder

About Boulder

The accolades given to the city of Boulder are so numerous and diverse that the municipality keeps a running list on the City of Boulder website:

Spirituality, environmentalism, science, sports, and the arts make Boulder, with a population of approximately 100,000, a cultural and creative force.

A Boulderite could feasibly go to class in the morning, hike a Boulder Mountain Park trail at lunch, eat dinner at an international restaurant and, finally, see a performance at historic Chautauqua Auditorium before capping the night off at one of Boulder’s many cafés.

The Beat writers played an important role in the city’s history, as well as the history of the university. Naropa celebrates art and artists through regular departmental performances, as well as events like the Boulder Fringe Festival, which has roots in Naropa theater.

Outside magazine calls Boulder the “best all-around town” for outdoor experience, and it’s easy to see why. Boulder is a great jumping-off point to the bountiful natural resources of Colorado, offering a wealth of opportunities for hikers, climbers, skiers, snowboarders, cyclists, kayakers, and more.

For social outings and nightlife, Boulder residents head to downtown’s famous Pearl Street Mall; the lively, youthful environs of University Hill; or nearby Denver. Boulder draws some of the country’s best touring musical artists and a wide range of cultural events to venues like the Fox Theatre and Boulder Theater—not to mention the world-famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, which is only a short drive away.

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.