Naropa University

Naropa University is a private nonprofit university in Boulder, Colorado, known for bringing contemplative practice into arts, humanities, counseling and professional study. Its undergraduate and graduate programs combine academic coursework with experiential learning; meditation and reflective practice appear across the institution, while each degree has its own professional and academic requirements. Naropa may suit students who want that approach woven into their education, but prospective applicants should consider whether its distinctive curriculum and campus culture align with their goals.

Programs, campuses and accreditation

Naropa offers bachelor’s and graduate programs in areas such as psychology, art therapy, integrative health, sustainability, peace studies, yoga studies, counseling, spiritual care and creative writing and poetics. The university announced eight new or redesigned degrees for spring 2027, including a Master of Public Administration, BA in Leadership, BA in Sustainability Studies, BA in Integrative Health, MA in Cooperative Management, MA in Leadership, MA in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, and a redesigned MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Applicants should verify launch terms and curriculum for the program they want, since some options are new and others are being redesigned. The academic program directory links to current degree details.

The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, with additional specialized accreditation for selected programs, including art therapy, dance/movement therapy and clinical pastoral education. Its two Boulder campuses are a short bike ride or public-transit trip apart. The Arapahoe Campus at 2130 Arapahoe Avenue houses administration, Admissions, Student Affairs, the Allen Ginsberg Library and programs including religious studies, peace studies and contemplative education. The Nalanda Campus at 6287 Arapahoe Avenue is home to arts programs, the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics and clinical mental-health counseling programs.

Tuition, scholarships and aid

For 2026–27, new residential undergraduates pay $18,600 per semester for 12–18 credits in fall and spring; students below 12 credits or above 18 are charged $1,210 per credit. The $250 semester student fee and health insurance are additional, although eligible students with comparable insurance may request a waiver. New online undergraduates pay $500 per credit. Graduate tuition is $850 per credit, plus a $250 semester fee for students taking at least six credits; counseling and other programs may have additional program fees. Housing, food, books and transportation add substantially to the billed charges, so compare the university’s cost-of-attendance estimate with your own budget.

Naropa lists grants and scholarships, federal and state grants, work-study, student employment, graduate assistantships and federal loans among its funding options. More than 75% of graduate students receive some federal or institutional aid, according to the university. Graduate scholarships are generally listed from $500 to $7,000, with limited larger awards; some fellowships up to $26,150 apply only to the residential MFA in Creative Writing and Poetics. Colorado residents may qualify for a state grant, with the published full-time amount at $6,000 per semester. Awards depend on program, eligibility and available funding, so use the current cost and financial-aid pages and financial-aid office to estimate your net cost before enrolling.

Student experience and practical details

Naropa’s campuses are open to students and visitors during posted building hours. The university lists regular term hours of 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekends; during intersession, both campuses generally close earlier and are closed on weekends. The Registrar’s Office is open weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Hours may change for holidays, breaks and special events. The main campus has the university’s administrative and admissions offices; the second campus is at 6287 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80301.

Public student comments are mixed. Some reviewers describe Naropa as a distinctive and worthwhile place for creative work, while others criticize disorganization or difficulty getting a response from offices. These individual accounts are not a representative survey, but they make it sensible to ask direct questions about advising, communication, class availability and the practical steps from coursework to a career. Students considering counseling or art-therapy credentials should also confirm the exact program’s accreditation and state licensure requirements.

To ask about a degree, arrange a visit or start an application, use Naropa’s Admissions and Aid page. The main campus is at 2130 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80302; the general admissions number is (800) 772-6951. The Nalanda Campus is at 6287 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80301. The university provides student and visitor parking information online; check it before driving to either campus.