How to Apply to Naropa
Undergraduate Students
Start Your Naropa Application Today
Naropa offers out-of-the box majors for inspired learners. This really isn’t your typical bachelor’s degree.
Yes, Naropa is an accredited university with everything your parents want in a college: rigorous academics, experiential learning, and impressive career outcomes. But we also offer profound self-discovery, a radically inclusive campus culture, and compelling majors that draw from the intellectual traditions of both the East and West.
By applying to Naropa, you’re beginning a journey towards more than just a degree. You’ll graduate with a deep knowledge of your gifts and how to share them with the world.
Our Admissions Philosophy
Non-Traditional Admissions Process
Naropa’s admissions process reflects the values of a contemplative education. We consider both your academic performance and your willingness to do the hard work of introspection and self-growth. Our admissions process is as thoughtful and engaged as we expect you to be when you step into your first year at Naropa.
If you have a history of strong academic performance, we welcome you with minimal admissions requirements. If your academic performance has not been strong in the past, but you believe that you could benefit from a Naropa education and effectively contribute to the Naropa community, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Rolling Admissions
Applying early offers you the greatest chance to be considered for financial aid opportunities and allows us to process your documents in a timely manner. However, the Office of Admissions will gladly continue to review applications until the school year begins or until all places for incoming students are filled. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received by the Office of Admissions, so apply today!
Admission Requirements
Students with 3.0 GPA or Higher
If you’re a student with a 3.0 GPA (or higher), an 83+ average on the 100-point grading scale, and/or a GED score of 175+, your application requirements are as follows:
Application Requirements
- Complete Naropa Online Application
- Proof of Minimum Education Requirement
- Official high school transcript showing proof of graduation or equivalency
- Or a completed associate’s degree (AA/AS)
- Or an official college transcript with 60 or more transferrable credits
Students with Less than 3.0 GPA
If you’re a student with a GPA less than 3.0, an average of less than 83+ on the 100-point grading scale, and/or a GED score of 145–174, your application requirements are as follows:
Application Requirements
Complete Naropa Online Application
Submit Admissions Essay (Naropa University requires that application materials and essays be the applicant’s own work, factually true, and honestly presented, and not created with the use of AI.)
Consultation Interview with Admissions Counselor
Proof of Minimum Education Requirement
- Official high school transcript showing proof of graduation or equivalency
- Or a completed associate’s degree (AA/AS)
- Or an official college transcript with 60 or more transferrable credits
*The GED scoring system has varied over time. Naropa University calculates GPA based on maximum scores from the time the GED was taken.
Admission Process
- Fill out Naropa’s short online admissions application and submit your academic transcripts and related documents.
- Expect to hear back from an Admissions Counselor within one week of submitting all required documents. Sometimes the wait may be slightly longer, depending on the volume of applications.
- Unsure which documents we need from you? Simply begin by completing the admissions application.
- Naropa counselors are here to support you! Please email admissions@naropa.edu or call 1-800-772-6951 with any questions.
Internship Requirements
Experiential learning is a hallmark of a Naropa education. Many Naropa programs require completion of a practicum or internship in order to meet degree requirements. Many internship sites require up-to-date immunizations, background checks, and drug screening prior to student placement. Medical and recreational marijuana is not exempt from drug testing.
To graduate, program students must secure placement at a site and meet the requirements for entry. By applying for a Naropa program with an internship requirement, you’re acknowledging that you must successfully complete and pass background checks and drug screenings and have current immunization records.
What You’ll Find at Naropa
A Welcoming Community
We are a community of disruptors, deep listeners, and seekers. We welcome new people and perspectives with open arms.
Our small class sizes and dedicated faculty support thoughtful engagement. Naropa classrooms are brave spaces that emphasize mindfulness and academic inquiry.
Contemplative Education
At Naropa, academic rigor goes hand-in-hand with community engagement, self-study, meditation, and experiential learning.
A Naropa education is a lived experience. You’ll discover the calling that is uniquely your own—then develop that calling into a future path.
A Commitment to Change the World
What do you want to do with the knowledge you’ve gained? For many at Naropa, the answer to that question is, “Change the world.” Service and compassionate action are at the core of our mission.
Our campus culture inspires students to lead with compassion, using their gifts to change the world for the better.
