Non-Degree Students

The non-degree student program allows an individual to take Naropa classes for credit as a nonmatriculated student. 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. Please see the current semester’s schedule of courses (PDF). Contact the Registrar’s Office at registration@naropa.edu.

Noncredit

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)

Non-degree students can take many online classes for credit or noncredit. Please keep in mind that courses taken for noncredit are not graded, receive no academic credit, and cannot be transferred into a degree program. They cannot be converted to credit at any later date.

On-Campus

Non-degree students seeking credit can register for some Naropa courses on a space-available basis. Each semester non-degree students may take a maximum of 11 undergraduate credits or 8 graduate credits.

Registration

Please reach out to registration@naropa.edu for more information on how to register for classes as a non-degree seeking student.

Tuition & Fee Information

Non-degree students do not pay a registration fee.

  • Tuition for academic credit at Naropa is the following:
    • $850 per credit for graduate-level courses
    • $1,210 per credit for in-person undergraduate-level courses. 
    • $500 per credit for fully online undergraduate courses.
  • Please keep in mind that if you are a non-degree seeking student taking a mix of online and in person undergraduate courses, you will be charged the in-person rate of $1,210 per credit hour.
  • Tuition for noncredit is $250 per course, or $300 per language course.

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.

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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 05/06/2026. 

From Naropa University: Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed on 05/06/26. All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. Classes that are delivered online in our low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.

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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.