As the birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement, Naropa University revolutionizes higher education by integrating the mind, body, and spirit into the classroom experience.
Naropa’s degree programs combine contemplative practices with traditional academics, igniting a spark of presence throughout your educational journey. This unique blend cultivates a sense of purpose and an ethically driven approach to professional success and community service, fostering a synergy between intellectual knowledge and intuitive wisdom.
Higher education is changing, and so are we.
Discover the different ways you can attend Naropa.
Experience a contemplative education in Boulder, Colorado. Our BA and MA programs foster personal growth and academic excellence.
Learn on campus
Combine online learning with in-person intensives in Boulder, CO. Our hybrid MA programs offer flexibility and depth.
Learn low-residency
Study remotely with our 100% online BA programs. Learn more about our online community, faculty and resources.
Learn online
Anthony Gallucci
MA Religious Studies
The intrapersonal and interpersonal work that I did at Naropa influenced how I regulate my emotions and show up more fully as my authentic self in both my personal and professional life.
Chris Cole
BA Contemplative Psychology & MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling
Without Naropa University and this great lineage of embodied wisdom and secular enlightenment, I would not be doing the work I do today—working toward informed, compassionate theories and models of mental health.
Natalie Hsu
BA Art Therapy
I don’t know who you are, but I believe that you can change the world and this place will foster that. [Naropa] creates a container — a mirror, where you find that a-ha, where you make contact with the basic goodness in yourself and all of the people that this place attracts.
Paula Gasparini-Santos
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Transpersonal Art Therapy Concentration
The way I relate to my art really changed after Naropa. I reflect on my art more and notice more connection to themes. I understand it more.
Zannon Miller
BA Elementary Education and Teaching
Ina Sajovich
BA Religious Studies
MA Religious Studies
The intrapersonal and interpersonal work that I did while studying at Naropa influenced how I regulate my emotions and show up more fully as my authentic self in both my personal and professional life.
BA Contemplative Psychology, MA Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling
Without Naropa University, and this great lineage of embodied wisdom and secular enlightenment, I would not be doing the work I do today—working toward informed, compassionate theories and models of mental health.
BA Art Therapy
I don’t know who you are, but I believe that you can change the world and this place will foster that. It creates a container — a mirror, where you find that a-ha, where you make contact with the basic goodness in yourself and all of the people that this place attracts.
MA Transpersonal Art Therapy
The way I relate to my art really changed after Naropa. I reflect on my art more and notice more connection to themes. I understand it more.
BA Elementary Education and Teaching
I found the faculty to be really supportive, and really human and accessible. A lot of my classes are smaller, four to 20 people. It’s easy for me to have a conversation with a faculty member, and I noticed that those conversations helped me to integrate what it is that I’m learning.
BA Religious Studies
I often find myself amazed and further inspired by how business-as-usual companies are leaning more towards themes like authenticity, diversity, and civic engagement as unique value propositions— precisely the areas Naropa excels in teaching.
Naropa University is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution in Boulder, Colorado. Inspired by Buddhist principles, Naropa integrates Eastern wisdom and the arts with Western scholarship, emphasizing a contemplative and holistic education.
Naropa University has been championing contemplative education since its foundation in 1974. Discover how we are keeping true to our legacy and pioneering change in higher education 50 years later.
Yes, Naropa University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1986.
Naropa University is located on two campuses in Boulder, Colorado, a city which has has won many accolades and awards for its outdoor recreation, vibrant arts community, and overall quality of life. Learn more about Boulder rankings & accolades.
Naropa has a holistic admissions process that considers various aspects of an applicant’s background and potential.
Naropa is known for its unique contemplative education approach and its strong emphasis on mindfulness and social engagement.
Naropa University offers four online Bachelor of Arts degree programs:
Offering you the flexibility of taking most of your classes online, low-residency programs combine online learning with in-person intensives, which immerse you in contemplative practice and coursework—and build community. You can maintain your work and personal life and live the experience of contemplative education. Choose from five master’s degree programs in the low-residency format:
Naropa has approved the transfer of up to 90 credits for undergraduates starting in Fall 2024. Apply as a transfer student by submitting an official college transcript as part of your application.
As of the fall of 2023, Naropa has 1,117 students, 749 of which are students enrolled in one of our graduate programs.
You’re on a heart-first journey – whether as a scholar, spiritual practitioner, counselor, activist, artist, or any other path that’s led you here – you’re ready to take another leap. Join your new life at Naropa, where you’ll discover your unique gifts and contribute to societal and planetary evolution.
Academics
Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.
Admissions & Aid
If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.
Life at Naropa
Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community, “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom
The Naropa Difference
How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person.
About Naropa
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion.
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.
