About
Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, is renowned as a pioneer of contemplative education, a holistic model that integrates mindfulness and Eastern wisdom traditions with Western liberal arts. The university is best known for its standout graduate programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling—particularly Somatic and Transpersonal Psychology—and its iconic Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, which was co-founded by Beat poets Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman. Campus culture is intimate, creative, and deeply introspective, attracting a progressive student body focused on social justice, artistic expression, and personal growth. Distinctively, Naropa weaves meditation and experiential self-reflection directly into its academic curriculum, offering a uniquely transformative environment for non-traditional learners.
Wikipedia:Naropa University is a private university in Boulder, Colorado, United States. Founded in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa, it is named after the 11th-century Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, an abbot of Nalanda. The university describes itself as Buddhist-inspired, ecumenical, and nonsectarian rather than Buddhist. Naropa promotes non-traditional activities like meditation to supplement traditional learning approaches.
Location
Cost & aid
Outcomes
Admissions
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Essay prompts
If Naropa University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.
The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.
Student Body
Varsity sports
No data. This school isn't in the U.S. Department of Education's athletics (EADA) file, so we can't list its teams. That doesn't mean it has none.
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if Naropa University is the right fit for you?
SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.