About Naropa University
Naropa University, as a private nonprofit, grew from roots in Buddhist philosophy. With a tradition of promoting meditation, the school creates a learning environment for artists, healers, and scholars. Focusing on contemplative education, the innovative institution challenges mainstream higher education by involving the whole student—mind, body, and spirit.
Cultivating compassion and wisdom, Naropa’s academic programs blend intuitive wisdom with intellectual knowledge for professional success based on a life of service. Through its online program offerings, Naropa University can reach the world with its transformative teachings. Students enjoy such unique offerings as:
- A more meaningful education
- Personal introspection and self-awareness
- Freedom of expression
- Sense of purpose and moral clarity
Read More ↓ Show Less ↑
Accreditation & Licensing
Naropa University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
809Fully Online Graduate Students:
27%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$24,712Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
85%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$21,187Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesNaropa’s path to finishing a degree works well for students who like reflective, self-directed learning. The pace focuses less on frequent tests and more on discussion, personal writing, and tailored assignments. This structure can help you keep moving when it matches how you learn.
Many students find the degree worth the time when this nontraditional format feels meaningful and personal. It tends to work best for learners who want contemplative coursework and room to shape projects around their interests. Students who prefer a very fixed, standardized sequence may find the pace harder to sustain.
At Naropa, support can feel different across parts of the school. In many classes, professors and mentors are warm, engaged, and encouraging. Students often get personal guidance that helps them shape their own academic path and grow more confident in their work.
At the same time, day-to-day operations can be uneven. Some students report smooth help, while others describe real frustration with office processes and communication. Teaching quality can also vary by instructor.
Naropa tends to work best when strong faculty relationships are at the center of your experience. If you connect with mentors and stay close to your program, the school can offer meaningful academic and personal growth.
Naropa’s online classes fit reflective learners. The work leans on discussion and writing. Classes focus less on test prep. Assignments often leave room for personal direction and voice.
This pace works best with self-motivation. It fits students who want personal synthesis. It is less ideal for rigid structure seekers. Some classes are described as unproductive, including: “Many classes felt like a waste of time.”
At Naropa, classes focus on discussion, reflection, and personal growth. The work is usually less about memorizing facts for tests. Many students say the learning feels personal and real. Courses often leave room for creativity and self-direction.
In programs like Music, Performing Arts, and Peace Studies, students may complete a thesis or performance project. That gives students real ownership of their work. Class quality can differ by course and instructor. Even so, Naropa is often seen as a unique, life-changing place to learn. It is a strong fit for learners who want expressive classes and close faculty connection.
Naropa can be a great match for the right student. Its approach is reflective and nontraditional. Classes often center on discussion and self-directed work. Many assignments are personalized instead of test-heavy.
When this style fits, the experience can feel personal and deeply meaningful. Faculty mentorship is often a real strength. At the same time, teaching can vary from class to class. School processes can also feel uneven at times.
Naropa tends to work best for students who want contemplative learning. It is a weaker fit for students who want a rigid, standardized structure.
Naropa can be a great match for the right student. Its approach is reflective and nontraditional. Classes often center on discussion and self-directed work. Many assignments are personalized instead of test-heavy.
When this style fits, the experience can feel personal and deeply meaningful. Faculty mentorship is often a real strength. At the same time, teaching can vary from class to class. School processes can also feel uneven at times.
Naropa tends to work best for students who want contemplative learning. It is a weaker fit for students who want a rigid, standardized structure.
Online Programs offered by Naropa University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Psychology & Human Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Naropa University
Is Naropa University accredited?
Yes. Naropa University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Naropa University offer?
Naropa University offers 2 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Naropa University offer?
Naropa University is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Naropa University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Naropa University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Naropa University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Naropa University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Naropa University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Naropa University military friendly?
Naropa University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Naropa University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Naropa University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Naropa University accept life experience credit?
Naropa University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Naropa University programs fully online or mixed?
Naropa University programs are primarily listed as Mostly Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Naropa University offer?
Naropa University has online program options in areas such as Art & Liberal Arts and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Naropa University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Naropa University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Naropa University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Naropa University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Naropa University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Naropa University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Naropa University is featured in 2 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Naropa University is located in Colorado
Colorado at a Glance:
Top Majors in Colorado:
Top Incentives in Colorado:
- College Opportunity Fund: Per-credit stipend for residents
Top Career Pathways in Colorado:
- Entry Level: Software Developer ($80,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Developer ($125,000)
- Senior Level: Technical Director ($170,000+)
- Required Education: BS Computer Science
- Certifications: AWS, Azure, Security+