At $28,862/yr net price, Naropa University graduates earn $28,720/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,862 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $115,448 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,720/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,280/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,712 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,428/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,626/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,342/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $40,662/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,733/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $31,133 | $104,815 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $28,598 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $25,500 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Master | $18,154 |
The Risk Factor
45.9% of students at Naropa University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Naropa University delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. With median post-graduation earnings of $28,720 against a net price of $28,862 per year, you'll essentially break even on annual costs while carrying debt.
Clinical Psychology offers the strongest earnings potential at $31,133, but this comes with crushing debt loads averaging $104,815. This creates a dangerous debt-to-income ratio that will burden graduates for decades. General Psychology pays just $21,052 annually while still requiring similar debt levels. Theatre Arts graduates earn only $18,154, making loan repayment nearly impossible.
The 45.9% graduation rate signals significant completion risk. More than half of students leave without degrees, losing their investment entirely. The low 57% retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition quickly.
Boulder's job market offers limited opportunities for Naropa's specialized programs. The contemplative education focus appeals to niche employers but restricts career flexibility. Most graduates must look beyond Colorado for relevant positions, adding relocation costs to already strained finances.
Skip Naropa if you need strong earning potential or have limited family financial support. The school works only for students with significant family wealth who can graduate debt-free and view education as personal enrichment rather than career preparation. Even then, the completion risks make other liberal arts schools safer choices.
Consider community college transfer pathways or state universities that offer better graduation rates and employer recognition. Your future financial security depends on choosing schools where the investment pays measurable returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naropa University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $28,720 ten years after graduation and a net price of $28,862 annually, Naropa's return on investment is poor. Most graduates will struggle to pay off their education costs given the low earning potential.
What are the best paying majors at Naropa University?
Clinical and counseling psychology graduates earn the most at $31,133 annually, followed by writing studies at $28,598. Drama and general psychology majors earn significantly less, with theater graduates making only $18,154 per year.
How much debt do Naropa University students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $24,712, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with low post-graduation earnings, even this moderate debt load can be difficult to repay.
What is Naropa University's graduation rate?
Only 45.9% of students graduate from Naropa University. This low completion rate, combined with poor earning outcomes, makes the financial risk substantial for prospective students.