Naropa University
Naropa University is a private nonprofit university in Boulder, CO ranked #1859 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 339 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 100.0%. Students most often pursue Psychology and Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 54.2% first-year retention, and 36.7% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $29,179, about $12,181 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -81.3%, roughly 166.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $21,841. That's about $21,847 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Naropa University has an acceptance rate of 100.0%, annual tuition of $36,620, average net price of $29,179, and a national rank of #1859 (Grade C-), with a 36.7% six-year graduation rate, about 339 undergraduates, and median earnings of $21,841 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Naropa University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Naropa University graduates 36.7% of students within six years and keeps 54.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Naropa University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $36,620 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,256 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,290 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,896 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $53,397 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 51.4% of Naropa University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $21,457 to $46,397 depending on family income. Use Naropa University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $45,897/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $46,397/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $21,841
- 10-Year Median Earnings $21,841
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 63.4%
- Employment Rate 64.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Naropa University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Naropa University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Naropa University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Naropa University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Naropa University graduates earn $21,841 median, the -81.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 339
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 54.2%
- Graduation Rate 36.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Naropa University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Naropa University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 100.0%, Naropa University is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 100.0% acceptance rate, Naropa University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Naropa University undergraduates. Psychology, General, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, and Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 37.6%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 16.8%
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education 9.9%
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 7.9%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 5.9%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.9%
See more majors
- Religion/Religious Studies 4.0%
- Fine and Studio Arts 4.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Psychology, General $34,309
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $44,131
Program Choice Matters: Graduate: Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology programs lead with $44,131 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Naropa University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 122 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degree, 18 graduates)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 17 graduates)
- Psychology, Other (Master's Degree, 17 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (13 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Psychology, Other
- Systems Science and Theory
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 339
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 29.8%
- Female Students 70.2%
- Caucasian 62.2%
- Asian 2.6%
- Hispanic 14.2%
- Black 2.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 51.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Naropa University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Naropa University's undergraduate population. Women make up 70.2% of the student body, while men represent 29.8%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Naropa University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Naropa University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 70.2% of undergraduates. 51.4% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Naropa University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Naropa University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Naropa University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -81.3% ROI. Ranked #1859 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $29,179 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $21,841 median earnings. With 36.7% graduating within six years and 54.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Naropa University's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1859 ranking, Naropa University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $29,179 annually, Naropa University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 54.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $20,425 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -81.3% ROI and $21,841 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $19,179+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Naropa University ranks #1859 of 6101 institutions, with 1674 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 36.7% six-year graduation rate sits 25.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 54.2% first-year retention is 22.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -81.3% return on investment is 166.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $21,841 run about 50% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $29,179 is roughly $11,782 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 54.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 64.5% employment rate within three years sits 3.7 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $29,179 is about $11,782 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Boulder, CO, Naropa University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C- from EDsmart. It appears at #1859 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns C, Support C+, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 54.2% of first-year students return, and roughly 36.7% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -81.3% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $29,179 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $53,397.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,218 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 51.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $21,841 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 50% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 64.5%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -81.3%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
100.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Naropa University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naropa University's acceptance rate?
Naropa University's acceptance rate is 100.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Naropa University cost?
At Naropa University, listed tuition and fees are $36,620 per year, and the average net price after aid is $29,179. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Naropa University's ranking?
Naropa University ranks #1859 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Naropa University's graduation rate?
At Naropa University, the six-year graduation rate is 36.7%, and first-year retention is 54.2%.
What are Naropa University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Naropa University report median earnings of $21,841 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Naropa University's student population?
Naropa University enrolls about 339 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Boulder, CO 80302-6697
- Website www.naropa.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$4.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate16.7%