Overview
Naropa University was founded in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche as the Naropa Institute, becoming one of the first accredited Buddhist-inspired universities in the United States. Named after the 11th-century Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, the institution gained early fame for its Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, co-founded by Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman, which attracted major figures of the Beat Generation. The university achieved regional accreditation in 1986 and has since become known for pioneering contemplative education, integrating mindfulness practices with academic study across psychology, education, environmental studies, and the arts.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Boulder, Colorado |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Total students | 1,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 70% |
| Graduation rate | 50% |
| Average starting salary | $38,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $32,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $32,000 |
| Room & board | $12,000 |
| Average financial aid | $14,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 80% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.20 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Contemplative Psychology
- Writing & Poetics
- Environmental Studies
- Somatic Counseling Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.