Naropa University: 100.0% Acceptance Rate

100.0%Acceptance

$34,600Tuition

368Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$28,720Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Naropa University

Naropa University blends Buddhist philosophy with liberal arts education in Boulder's creative mountain community. The school draws 368 students who practice contemplative learning through meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection. Founded in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa, Naropa pioneered what it calls "contemplative education." Students can walk into any class without worrying about acceptance since the school admits 100% of applicants. The intimate 9:1 student-faculty ratio allows for deep mentor relationships that align with the school's focus on personal transformation alongside academic growth.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $28,862 after aid, but graduates earn a median of just $28,720 ten years after graduation. Most students carry $24,712 in debt with monthly payments around $262. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $20,428, making the education more accessible to lower-income students. The school's employment rate reaches 85.3%, though earnings lag behind typical college outcomes.

Naropa attracts a predominantly female student body at 71.2% women, with many drawn to programs in psychology, writing, and contemplative studies. The 45.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's alternative approach, where some students prioritize personal growth over traditional academic timelines.

Academics & Faculty

Naropa University pioneered contemplative education by weaving Buddhist principles and mindfulness into traditional academic disciplines. With only 368 students total, the university maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that enables intensive personal guidance. The school's interdisciplinary programs blend psychology with Buddhist studies, creative writing with meditation practice, and environmental studies with contemplative ecology. Students practice sitting meditation daily and integrate contemplative techniques into coursework. However, the 45.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face with the intensive personal growth work required. The university attracts students seeking alternative approaches to learning that emphasize introspection, community engagement, and social justice alongside academic achievement.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 38.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 45.9%
Retention Rate: 57.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $28,720
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$31,133
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.	Master	$28,598
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$21,052
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.	Master	$18,154

View all 23 programs →

Campus Life

Naropa sits in Boulder, just 30 miles northwest of Denver, where students meditate between classes and hiking trails replace typical college hangouts. Only 28% of the 368 students live on campus in limited housing for 103 residents. Most students rent apartments or houses in Boulder's expensive housing market. The Rocky Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for contemplative walks, and students often gather in meditation gardens or local coffee shops for study groups centered around Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness practices.

Boulder's high-altitude desert climate means sunny days year-round, but winter temperatures drop into the 20s and snow is common from November through March. Students need both winter coats and sunscreen depending on the season. Weekend life revolves around outdoor activities like hiking Chautauqua Park or attending dharma talks and poetry readings downtown. The student body is 71% female and tends toward introspective, spiritually-minded individuals. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and often invite classes to their homes for tea ceremonies or discussion circles.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 103 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1974

Campus Safety (2023)

9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Burglary	2	0	2
Dating Violence	1	1	0
Rape	1	1	0
Fondling	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–47°F
July Avg: 57°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 21.2"
Annual Snowfall: 92.8"

Student Demographics

Naropa draws students seeking alternative approaches to higher education, with women making up more than two-thirds of the student body. This gender split reflects the university's emphasis on contemplative practices, social work, and expressive arts therapy programs that traditionally attract more women. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families drawn to its Buddhist-inspired mission. Students come from across the country to experience this unique educational model, though many Colorado residents also choose to stay local for Naropa's distinctive contemplative approach.

Men: 28.8%
Women: 71.2%
White: 65.0%
Black: 2.2%
Hispanic: 12.0%
Asian: 2.5%
In-State Students: 39.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 56.6%

Location

Boulder sits at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, about 30 miles northwest of Denver. The city of 108,000 residents creates a classic college town atmosphere with outdoor recreation at every turn. Naropa's 368 students live surrounded by hiking trails, rock climbing destinations, and some of Colorado's most stunning mountain scenery. The area attracts wellness-focused communities and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate Boulder's progressive culture. With 39% of students coming from in-state, many already know Colorado's appeal. The city blends university life with environmental consciousness and alternative spirituality. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Naropa University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Boulder, Colorado 80302-6697

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $28,720
Median Earnings (5 years): $27,062
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $19,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 63.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $262/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,712

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Naropa University?

Naropa University has a 100% acceptance rate, making admission guaranteed for all applicants. This open admission policy reflects the school's Buddhist-inspired philosophy of welcoming all students seeking contemplative education. With only 368 students enrolled, the university prioritizes creating an intimate learning environment over selective admissions.

How much does Naropa University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $28,862 annually after financial aid, less than the $46,549 total cost of attendance. About 57% of students receive financial aid, with many qualifying for Pell Grants due to the school's commitment to accessible contemplative education. Monthly loan payments average $262 for graduates who borrowed money.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Naropa University?

Naropa maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in its mindfulness-based curriculum. The small class sizes support the university's contemplative education model, where meditation and awareness practices are integrated into academic study. This intimate setting allows for deep mentor-student relationships that are central to the Buddhist-inspired learning philosophy.

What are the employment outcomes for Naropa University graduates?

Graduates have an 85.3% employment rate, though median earnings after 10 years are $28,720, reflecting career paths often focused on service and meaning over high salaries. Many alumni pursue careers in counseling, social work, education, and creative arts that align with the university's contemplative values. The 45.9% six-year graduation rate indicates that this non-traditional educational approach requires significant commitment from students.

Where do students live at Naropa University?

Housing capacity is limited to just 103 students on campus, meaning most of the 368 enrolled students live off-campus in Boulder. The small residential community creates close bonds among those who do live on campus. Boulder's active arts scene and outdoor recreation opportunities complement the university's emphasis on mindful living and creative expression.

Is Naropa University really based on Buddhist teachings?

Yes, Naropa was founded in 1974 as the first Buddhist-inspired university in North America, integrating contemplative practices into all academic programs. About 71% of students are women, drawn to the school's unique approach combining rigorous academics with meditation and mindfulness training. The curriculum reflects Buddhist principles of compassion and wisdom while remaining open to students of all spiritual backgrounds.