The Naropa Difference

The Naropa Difference

The Naropa Difference

Transform yourself at the first accredited university to bring contemplative education to the West. At Naropa, mindfulness practice is the center of everything we do. Why? Because changing the world starts from within.

Whether you earn your Naropa degree in Environmental Studies, Contemplative Psychology, or Transpersonal Art Therapy, your rigorous academic studies will be complemented by writing, self-reflection, and learning how to be mindful. These practices help our students to integrate their studies, discover their strengths, and grow into courageous leaders.

Naropa helps undergraduate and transfer students discover a more fully realized version of themselves. We support graduate students in developing mastery and leadership in their chosen fields. And we guide working professionals in becoming more fully present and alive in the work they feel called to do.

Join the scholars, activists, healers, poets, and changemakers of Naropa.

Quick Facts

337

Undergraduate Students

720

Graduate
Students

32

Average
Age
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The Naropa Classroom

What will you find in a Naropa classroom?

Freedom of expression, authenticity, lively discussions, and so much more.

Naropa’s philosophy of mindfulness and compassion infuses every program and every classroom. Our teachers listen as much as they speak, reflecting a classroom culture of engagement and equity.

By incorporating meditation and mindfulness into virtually every course, students learn to take ownership of their learning through self-awareness and personal introspection.

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Three Pillars of a Naropa Education

Contemplative Education

Cultivating mindfulness helps to develop the whole person — emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. Naropa students learn how to be mindful in their relationships with others and in the work they feel called to do. We help students grow into themselves.

Experience Naropa’s contemplative community:

Diversity

Diversity and radical inclusivity are central to Naropa’s mission, and we are committed to creating a culture of belonging. In classrooms and programs throughout campus, we work to recognize students, faculty, and community members of different races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, veteran status, perspectives, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, national origins, and religions.

Learn more about Naropa’s commitment to diversity:

Sustainability

At Naropa, we are committed to honoring the Earth as our home. The practice of sustainability, like the practice of meditation, brings us closer to ourselves and to the natural world. We are moving towards our vision of a zero waste, carbon neutral campus.

Ways our students can participate in building a culture of sustainability:

Students Transformed

“I chose Naropa because it provides an environment in which I can thrive. The tight knit community and the emphasis on alternative ways of knowing really drew me in. I have always thought in creative ways and deeply oppose the conventional and ‘normal.’ Naropa helps me to feel held by the earth and supported by a vast community. It showed me that I am not alone in the struggle for a better world.”

  • Meadow Willow, BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, 2015

“Being introduced to the possibility that human beings are basically good has been one of the most important aspects of my program at Naropa. The transformation began here for me. I carry this awareness with me wherever I go, into whatever I’m doing. It is a revolutionary way of relating, one that holds a lot of hope and kindness.”

  • Elinor Morgenstern, Contemplative Psychology

“To live a meaningful life, I need to be somehow serving society. That’s why I decided on Naropa. This was the only school that could offer me a unique way of learning and foster an education suited to help me change the world one act of kindness at a time.” 

  • Sophie Purnell, BA in Visual Arts, 2016

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YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.