Naropa University Admissions

Naropa University Admissions Overview:

Naropa University has test-optional admissions, which means that applicants are not required to submit scores from the SAT or ACT. The school also accepted all applicants in 2016; while this will not be the case every year, the school is still largely accessible. To apply, interested students will need to submit an application (Naropa accepts the Common Application), high school transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. For complete instructions and details, be sure to visit the school's website, and contact the admissions office with any questions you may have. Campus visits are not required, but are encouraged for all interested students, to see if the school would be a good fit for them.

Admissions Data (2016):

• Naropa University Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Naropa has test-optional admissions; for those students who did submit scores, the average ACT composite score was 25 and the average SAT score was 1756.
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: - / -
  • SAT Math: - / -
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • Colorado colleges SAT comparison
  • ACT Composite: - / -
  • ACT English: - / -
  • ACT Math: - / -
    • Colorado colleges ACT comparison

Naropa University Description:

Naropa University is not your typical small college, and a surprising 70% of students come from out-of-state. Naropa is dedicated to "advancing contemplative education" through a combination of Eastern and Western educational traditions. The college's learning philosophy is grounded in Buddhism, but the school is secular and open to all. With under 500 undergraduates and slightly more graduate students, Naropa has an intimate educational environment. Classes are small (average size of 15), and academics are supported by a healthy 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio. On the whole, Naropa's students tend to be artistic, creative, thoughtful, and community-minded. Naropa's campus borders the University of Colorado at Boulder, and students can use CU's library and take classes through the University of Colorado Access program. Nature lover lovers will appreciate Naropa's location on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains as well as the school's efforts to promote environmental sustainability. All of the campus's electricity use is offset by wind power renewable energy credits.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 931 (382 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 33% Male / 67% Female
• 91% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $31,170
• Books: $1,256 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $9,965
• Other Expenses: $5,194
• Total Cost: $47,585

Naropa University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 76%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 76%
  • Loans: 61%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $19,632
  • Loans: $5,293

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology, Writing and Literature

Retention and Graduation Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 53%
• Transfer Out Rate: 32%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 24%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 37%

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics and the Naropa website

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