
2130 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, CO 80302, USA


Naropa University provides a range of athletic opportunities primarily through its association with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). Students can participate in various sports that promote both physical activity and community engagement.
The university supports men's and women's teams in sports such as basketball, soccer, and cross country, allowing student-athletes to compete at a collegiate level. Beyond traditional team sports, Naropa encourages wellness and fitness through intramural programs and recreational activities, fostering a balanced lifestyle.
While Naropa's athletic programs may not be as extensive as larger institutions, they provide meaningful opportunities for students interested in maintaining active involvement in sports alongside their academic pursuits. The emphasis often includes personal development, teamwork, and the integration of mind-body practices consistent with the university's overall philosophy.
Naropa University offers a range of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and promote community engagement. Among these groups are the Student Union of Naropa, which serves as a central body for student activities and representation, and the Devotional Singing Club, which provides a cultural and spiritual musical outlet. For those interested in wellness and mindfulness practices, the Student Yoga Practice Group offers regular sessions and events. The university also supports diversity and inclusion through the Students of Color and Allies organization, fostering dialogue and support among its members. Additionally, the Naropa Alliance for Psychedelic Studies engages students in research and discussions related to psychedelic science and culture. These organizations reflect the varied opportunities for involvement available to the student body, which comprises a total of 333 students.
Naropa University attracts a diverse student body characterized by several distinct demographic and enrollment patterns. The institution has a notably low percentage of in-state students at 33%, ranking in the bottom 10% nationally for this measure, while out-of-state enrollment is relatively high at 67%, placing it in the top 5%. The proportion of U. S. students overall is average but slightly on the lower side at 67%, and there is a very small representation from foreign countries, effectively close to zero, which is low compared to other institutions.
The total student intake is modest, with 107 combined freshmen and transfer students enrolled, a figure that ranks in the bottom 30% nationally. Freshman enrollment itself is particularly low at 24, also in the lower 30% range, while transfer student numbers are more average though still on the lower half.
Age distribution among students shows a wide range, especially across graduate programs. Undergraduates tend to skew younger, with a majority between 18 and 24 years old. Graduate students are generally older, with substantial numbers in age groups from 25 to 49, indicating a mature student population pursuing advanced degrees. The overall composite age data reflects this broad spread, with most students falling into the 25 to 49 age brackets.
In terms of racial and ethnic composition, Naropa University exhibits moderate diversity with values placing most groups near the bottom 35% nationally. Hispanic students make up a notable segment at 44 individuals, classed as average in representation. African American and White students also reflect average representation, with 8 and 239 respectively. Smaller groups include Asian students at 9, Native students at 1, and those identifying with two or more races totaling 28. The number of students with unknown racial or ethnic status is 29, similarly categorized as average.
Naropa University offers a small and intimate campus environment with a total enrollment of approximately 1,117 students, placing it in the lower range compared to other institutions. The university maintains a notably low student-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, which allows for more personalized attention and smaller class sizes. This setup can be appealing to students who prefer a close-knit academic community.
The campus life at Naropa University is distinctively quiet in terms of traditional campus activities and amenities. While the school supports a campus chorus, it does not feature other typical student organizations such as drama groups, radio stations, bands, or television outlets. Students interested in performing arts will find the chorus as a notable opportunity for creative expression.
Services related to student wellness and support also reflect a focused approach. Psychological counseling is available, which speaks to the university's commitment to mental health resources. However, other common campus services like health clinics, legal assistance, and veterans' affairs offices are not present. There is also no women's center on campus, which may influence the support network available to students.
Regarding athletics, there is no indication that Naropa University participates in major athletic associations or intercollegiate sports leagues, suggesting that athletics are not a prominent component of student life. This may appeal to students more focused on academics or non-athletic extracurriculars.
Located on a small campus footprint, Naropa University's environment is likely to be geared toward students seeking a more contemplative and specialized college experience rather than a bustling campus social scene.
Naropa University offers students access to three libraries, including the Allen Ginsberg Library as its primary facility. While the number of libraries is relatively high compared to peer institutions, the collection size is more modest, with around 43,147 physical books available. This volume places the university in the lower 40th percentile nationally for book holdings.
The university's library resources include an average number of subscriptions, totaling 471, and a considerable offering of digital subscriptions with 41,438 titles. Despite this, the total number of ebooks is comparatively low at 245,773, ranking in the bottom 30% nationwide. The library also provides access to 55 databases, which is an average amount relative to similar institutions.
Students can benefit from 45 hours of weekly service, though study rooms are not available and the facilities do not offer all-day access. Both physical and digital library services are accessible, supported by trained staff and established hours to ensure consistent availability. Additionally, there is access to shared collections, potentially broadening the range of materials beyond the university's immediate holdings.
Total enrollment
1117Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
24Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
203 full time, 170 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Allen Ginsberg LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
3Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes