Graduate Scholarships
Scholarship Requirements
You must have received your Naropa log in credentials; email and password, prior to accessing Naropa’s scholarship application.
This may mean that students who are accepted the week of the application deadline, may not have received log in credentials yet. To ensure that you have your log in in time, start the Admissions process early, it can take a few days to receive your credentials depending on the timing of your acceptance.
To be considered for Naropa’s institutional scholarships, students must meet the following criteria by the scholarship application deadline:- Be admitted into a degree program
- Be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours each term
- Scholarships are awarded for students who start in the summer or fall of the coming academic year (exception: Naropa Honor Scholarship and Naropa Presidential Scholarship may be awarded to eligible students starting their program in the spring)
- Have a cumulative 3.5 GPA (returning students only)
- Have a complete FAFSA on file or International Student Aid Application for the applicable year
- The 2024-2025 aid applications are based on 2022 tax information
Apply for Naropa Scholarship
- Naropa Scholarship Applications open each October for the upcoming year and are typically open until April of the next year.
- Other scholarships such as SWP, Lenz, and others may run on an alternative timeline. Please be sure to check dates for each scholarship you are interested in.
- New students receive their username and password via email after submitting their Admissions Application.
- Students must be logged in to access the application (using MyNaropa credentials)
Additional Information
- Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000 per academic year
- Receiving more than one institutional scholarship could affect your eligibility for, or the amounts of, other forms of aid, including scholarship awards
Academic Scholarships
Students who meet the above listed scholarship requirements are automatically considered for the following Honors & Presidential awards.
No separate application or materials are required to be considered.
The Naropa Honor Scholarship and the Naropa Presidential Scholarship are awarded to a limited number of entering graduate students who will be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) in a degree-bearing program.
Awards are based on a student’s:
- admissions application,
- financial aid application,
- and scholarship availability (availability of scholarships decreases as the new semester draws closer).
The scholarships will renew each academic year, as long as a student:
- Continues to be enrolled at least half-time
- Demonstrates sufficient financial need
- Maintains academic eligibility (cumulative 3.5 GPA) and
- Submits financial aid application materials on time
The amount of the scholarship may vary, dependent on a student’s financial need and enrollment status.
Scholarships Requiring Applications
Students who meet the above listed scholarship requirements must submit a separate application and/or written materials to be considered for the following awards. Required materials will be detailed in the scholarship description for each award.
You must have received your Naropa log in credentials; email and password, prior to accessing the application.
This may mean that students who are accepted the week of the application deadline, may not have received log in credentials yet. To ensure that you have your log in in time, start the Admissions process early, it can take a few days to receive your credentials depending on the timing of your acceptance.
Non Program-Specific Awards
Bart Leonard Scholars Fund
Bart Leonard was a student of our Naropa Founder in 1976 and devoted himself to meditation practice. Bart was the Director of the Shambhala Center in New York City for several years and served on the Board of the D.C. Shambhala Center. Beginning in 2017, he served on the Naropa Board of Trustees with diligence, a vast heart, and disarming humor until his retirement in 2022.
The Bart Leonard Scholars Fund will be awarded to returning (Starting at least their second year) graduate or undergraduate students, who demonstrate significant financial need. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years. Students applying for this scholarship must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for undergraduate students) or a 3.5 GPA (for graduate students).
Applicants should submit a 1–2 page essay describing the student’s desire to continue their studies at Naropa and how this scholarship would help them pursue their program. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and will be reviewed by a committee.
Charles B. Edison Jinpa Scholarship
Not currently accepting applications.
Awarded to one or two returning full-time graduate or undergraduate students per year, who identify with, or who have experience working with underrepresented populations. The scholarship is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years. Students from underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants should submit a 1-2 page essay describing the student’s current and past involvement with underrepresented communities. Applications should be uploaded on MyNaropa and will be reviewed by a committee. Students applying for this scholarship must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for undergraduate students) or a 3.5 (for graduate students).
Chuck and Judy Lief Presidential Scholarship
A Half-Century of Service
Chuck and Judy’s dedication to Naropa runs deep. They are both committed to the vision of Naropa to create transformative education by joining contemplative practice, academic study, and community service. In Judy’s words, “Naropa transforms lives. It certainly transformed mine. I am proud to be a part of this visionary project.”
Chuck says, “Naropa’s motto: Transform Yourself, Transform the World, defines the impact of the unique Naropa approach to higher education. It is the reason our graduates have such an impact in so many disciplines and in so many places. Helping to meet the financial needs of our exceptional students is a great offering to a world in need of the leaders whose journey has led them to Naropa.”
For 50 years, Chuck and Judy have given their time and talents to create, serve, and invest in Naropa University.
How to Apply:
The Chuck and Judy Lief Presidential Scholarship will be awarded to new and returning graduate or undergraduate students, who demonstrate significant financial need up to $2,500 per award. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years. Students applying for this scholarship must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for undergraduate students) or a 3.5 GPA (for graduate students).
Applicants should submit a 1–2-page essay describing why they chose to study at Naropa, what impact they see their studies at Naropa having on their career path, and how this scholarship would help them pursue their program and goals. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and will be reviewed by a committee.
Application for Spring 2025 Open now through October 23rd, 2024.
Gerald Red Elk Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor Gerald Red Elk and is awarded to one undergraduate or graduate student at a time, who identifies with or can demonstrate experience working with a Native American population (preference given to Native American groups within the US). To qualify, the applicant must write an essay (no more than 3 pages in length) that documents past or current service to, or the impact of being part of, the Native American population, and explains the intended use of the degree in service to the tribe. Applications should be uploaded on MyNaropa, and student must meet all other criteria for financial aid. Native American students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Monastic Scholarship
The Monastic Scholarship is awarded to an international graduate student who is ordained as a monk or nun of any religious order. A maximum of $25,000 is awarded to cover tuition and fees for the academic year. Typically, a single student holds the scholarship until that student graduates, at which point, the scholarship is awarded to someone else. Award amounts will be based on the student’s registered credit hours.
No living expenses will be covered so all applicants must have a means to cover those expenses. The scholarship is renewable, but subject to review of English language skills and GPA. Graduates students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to retain academic eligibility for this award.
Please submit an essay that describes the nature of your monastic commitments or vows and the duration of your monastic commitment. Preference is given to applicants who have chosen monasticism as a lifelong path and whose commitments or vows include restrictions on financial income (i.e. vows of poverty or the like.)
Apply for the Monastic Scholarship Application through the Naropa Scholarship Application.
W.E.B. Dubois Scholarship
Not currently accepting applications.
Awarded to one incoming or returning, graduate or undergraduate student who identifies with, or who can demonstrate experience working with populations of color. The scholarship is available only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years. Students of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants should submit a 1-2 page essay describing the student’s current and past involvement with communities of color. Applications should be uploaded on MyNaropa and will be reviewed by a committee. Students applying for this scholarship must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for undergraduate students) or a 3.5 (for graduate students).
Buddhism-Informed Contemplative Counseling
Louise Fabbro Scholarship
Louise Fabbro Memorial Scholarship is awarded to one or more Contemplative Psychotherapy & Buddhist Psychology students in their internship year of study.
Criteria for Scholarship Recipients
Criteria for selection are the applicant’s scholastic achievement; impact on or growth in community building issues and multicultural issues; contemplative development; creativity; and sense of humor. It is possible for an applicant without financial need to receive an award of recognition without receiving the scholarship.
Selection Process
Core faculty members of the Contemplative Counseling Psychology program identify potential awardees, receive applications, and conduct applicant interviews, if needed. This group recommends recipients to the Financial Aid Office, which makes decisions and final awards. Scholarship recipients provide a bio or other background statement to the Financial Aid Office for forwarding to Advancement and inclusion in correspondence with the Donor.
The application deadline is April 1 for the following school year. In keeping with Louise’s wish that the selection process be “fun,” applications may be submitted in any media format, provided it can “fit into a small passenger vehicle.” The application should demonstrate the criteria, not merely write about them. If written, the application should be 2–4 pages; or 5–7 minutes for audio or video applications. Nonconventional applications should include a cover letter clarifying, if necessary, how the application reflects the award criteria.
Applications may be submitted to the chair of the Contemplative Counseling Psychology program.
Jack Kerouac School
Fellowships
Allen Ginsberg, Anne Waldman, and Anselm Hollo Graduate Fellowships
The fellowships are awarded annually to three incoming MFA Creative Writing and Poetics students (residency program). Allen Ginsberg, Anne Waldman and Anselm Hollo fellowship recipients will receive full funding (tuition and fees), plus an additional $5,000 scholarship as well as a $4,500 stipend. Fellowship recipients may not simultaneously hold a Graduate Assistantship.
Please reach out to you advisor for more information about the Fellowships for Creative Writing & Poetics. Please note the deadline is February 1st
Scholarships
Ted Berrigan, Robert Creeley and Jack Kerouac Scholarships.
Each scholarship is awarded to a returning MFA Creative Writing & Poetics student (residency) or MFA Creative Writing student (low-residency). Students who wish to be considered for these scholarships should submit:
- a cover letter describing their contributions to the Jack Kerouac School, Naropa, or the larger community;
- current résumé;
- and a 5-10 page writing sample to the Financial Aid Office.
Students only need to submit one application to be considered for all three scholarships.
Students awarded a Kerouac School fellowship cannot simultaneously hold a GA position or another Naropa scholarship.
Summer Writing Program Scholarships
View all scholarship available for SWP
- 2025 SWP Scholarship applications open December 2024
- 2025 SWP Scholarship applications close February 14th, 2025.
Master of Divinity & Religious Studies
Frederick P. Lenz Foundation Merit Scholarship
The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism seeks to inspire the emergence of an enlightened American society that reflects the universal Buddhist values of wisdom, compassion, mindfulness and meditation.
The purpose of the Lenz Foundation Merit Scholarship is to attract the best and brightest students to Naropa University, and to support the studies of those who will go on to make significant contributions to American Buddhism.
Award
$10,000 to $15,000 for each academic year in which they are enrolled while meeting the academic requirements of the program.
Unless otherwise specified, one new student will receive the award each school year
Please submit all documents for your Lenz Application all at once to help ensure all documents remain together.
Sober Spiritual Warrior Scholarship
The Sober Spiritual Warrior Scholarship is awarded to graduate students with significant financial need, enrolled in one of the Religious Studies programs, who have a personal or professional interest in studying the intersection of sobriety and spirituality. The scholarship is available only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
With their application, students will include a short 2 or 3 page essay describing 1.) their interest in studying the intersection of sobriety and spirituality 2.) their life experience that has brought them to Naropa and 3.) their intentions for their studies while at Naropa and after
Application Deadline
- 2024/2025 Naropa Scholarship Application closed May 2024.
- 2025/2026 Naropa Scholarship application is due April 1st, 2025 midnight MT.
Scholarships by Nomination
Non Program-Specific Awards
Arbie Thalacker Scholarship
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche Scholarship
Corinne Davis Endowed Scholarship
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Scholarship
Lucien Wulsin Scholarship
Victoria "Tory" Wolf Capron Scholarship
Art Therapy
Bernie Marek Scholarship
Wisdom Traditions
Martha Bonzi Scholarship
Owen Weber-Weinstein Scholarship
Awarded to two incoming or returning students in Wilderness Therapy or Wisdom Traditions. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years.
No application is required. Selections are made by a committee considering all students who are eligible for financial aid. Returning students being considered for the scholarship must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Incoming student’s admission application and departmental recommendations will be considered in lieu of a GPA.
Stephen B Brooks Wisdom Traditions Annual Scholarship
Taijiquan (T’ai Chi Ch’uan)
The Bataan Go Faigao and Jane G. Faigao Endowed Scholarship
Wilderness Therapy
Oso Tinker Wilderness Therapy Scholarship
Owen Weber-Weinstein Scholarship
Awarded to two incoming or returning students in Wilderness Therapy or Wisdom Traditions. The award is not renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years.
No application is required. Selections are made by a committee considering all students who are eligible for financial aid. Returning students being considered for the scholarship must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Incoming student’s admission application and departmental recommendations will be considered in lieu of a GPA.
Other Nomination Scholarships
International Student Scholarship
Awarded annually to an international graduate or undergraduate student who has financial need and who does not qualify for US Federal aid. Students interested in the scholarship must have an International Student Financial Aid Application on file. No other application is required.
SUN Student Leader Scholarship
External Scholarship Opportunities
External Scholarship Tips & Resources
Outside scholarships are those scholarships offered by organizations and individuals outside of Naropa. There is free money available for educational expenses. The challenge is dedicating one’s time and energy to investigating, locating, and applying to receive these funds.
Perseverance, dedication, and creativity are essential to a successful search. Here are some suggestions to help you with your scholarship search:
Note Deadlines
The best time to apply for outside scholarships for an upcoming academic year is typically during September through December. Requesting and compiling necessary information such as transcripts, essays and letters of reference can be time consuming. We recommend beginning the application process well before application deadlines.
Beware of Fees
Do not use any “scholarship search service” that requires a fee. Too often, these turn out to be scams, have unrealistic requirements for the student, and/or produce dissatisfying results.
Cultivate Networks
Don’t underestimate the valuable scholarship resource pool available from home, school and work networks. For example, a large percentage of private scholarships come from parents’ employers. Friends, extended family members, administrators, professors, fellow student recipients, mentors and religious associates may also know of outside scholarship opportunities.
Outside Scholarships Resources
- Your local non-profit organizations
- VFWs, American Legions, community foundations, libraries, etc.
- Bold
- FastWeb
- Career One Stop
- Cappex
- Addictions.com
- Military Service Members and Family Scholarships
- The Denver Foundation
