Colorado College vs Naropa University
Colorado College and Naropa University, both located in Colorado, offer distinct educational experiences. Colorado College, with an acceptance rate of 14%, is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and strong emphasis on experiential learning. Naropa University, on the other hand, is a private Buddhist-inspired university with an acceptance rate of 70%, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in contemplative education, environmental studies, and the arts. While Colorado College boasts a diverse student body with a 4-year graduation rate of 83%, Naropa University's student population is smaller and more focused on contemplative practices, with a 6-year graduation rate of 58%. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two institutions, including popular majors, student demographics, and financial aid options.
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![]() Colorado College |
![]() Naropa University |
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Overview |
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Location | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Boulder, Colorado |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 96.0% | 54.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 14.3% | 100.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$60
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SAT range | N/A | N/A |
ACT range | N/A | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | ||
Students submitting ACT score | ||
Total number of applicants | 10,975 | 148 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,564 | 148 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 620 | 29 |
Yield rate | 39.6% | 19.6% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $79,562 | $53,858 |
Average net price | $30,200 | $29,924 |
Tuition | $61,596 | $34,600 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$8,052
Meal plan:
$5,616
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
57.0%
Average amount $48,666 |
92.0%
Average amount $22,372 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
26.0%
Average amount $5,010 |
50.0%
Average amount $11,330 |
Students taking out private loans |
1.0%
Average amount $26,825 |
0.0%
Average amount $0 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
2,241
Men 43.5% Women 56.5% |
325
Men 26.5% Women 73.5% |
Graduate students |
25
Men 20.0% Women 80.0% |
639
Men 25.2% Women 74.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 40.7% |
International students | 6.6% | 2.4% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 1,745 | 104 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Colorado California New York Arizona Georgia |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 9:1 | 9:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 85.7% | 34.2% |
Dropout rate | 2.2% | 23.7% |
Transferred out | 11.5% | 42.1% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Bachelor's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degrees)
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Master's Degrees)
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