Naropa University

Teaching and learning at Naropa University combines Eastern wisdom with traditional Western scholarship. In addition to programs in elementary education and environmental studies, the university offers bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as contemplative art therapy, yoga studies, and clinical mental health counseling. Low-residency programs in ecopsychology and creative writing also allow students to complete the majority of their coursework online. Naropa prides itself on offering contemplative educational opportunities. The three core tenets of contemplative education are rigorous academics, meditation and mindfulness, and experiential learning. Online and on-campus students are strongly encouraged to gain insight and skills through volunteerism and internships. Undergraduate applicants with a high school GPA of 3.0 or better do not need to submit test scores. Prospective students with a lower GPA may still qualify for provisional admission based on a personal essay and a consultation with the admissions department. All graduate applicants must take the GRE.
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Admissions Breakdown
Acceptance Rate Insight
14% of students
were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools
with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but
are still accessible to many students who apply.
Retention Rate Insight
86% of full-time
students stayed to continue their studies the following academic
year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall
2020.
Graduation Rate Insight
88% of students
graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their
studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are
not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners.
Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.
Application Considerations
Test scores: | Not required or recommended | High school transcript: | Required |
High school rank: | Not required or recommended | Letter of recommendation: | Required |
High school GPA: | Considered (not required) | Open admission: | No |
Completion of college prep program: | Recommended | Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL): |
Transfer Credit Policy
Dual enrollment: Yes
Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes
Credit for qualified life experience*:
ⓘ
*This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials,
or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a
portfolio to earn credit.
Learning Environment
2k
Students enrolledOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio
84%
Online student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio
9:1
Student to faculty ratio
Degrees Awarded by Program
Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.
# | Programs | BA | MA | Doc |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Area, Ethnic, Cultural, And Gender Studies | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
2 | Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, And Group Studies | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
3 | Biological And Biomedical Sciences | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
4 | Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
5 | Education | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
6 | English Language And Literature/Letters | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
7 | Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
8 | History | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
9 | History | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
10 | Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
11 | Mathematics And Statistics | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
12 | Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
13 | Natural Resources And Conservation | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
14 | Philosophy And Religious Studies | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
15 | Physical Sciences | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
16 | Psychology | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
17 | Social Sciences | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
18 | Visual And Performing Arts | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |