Naropa University
Naropa University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Naropa University Worth It?
At a value score of 10/100, Naropa University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $28,720 — 47% below average — while paying $29,179/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 4.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 42% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 100% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $24,712 representing 86% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Naropa University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Naropa University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #18 of 23 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Caribbean University-Vega Baja | 60 | $5,235 | $22,842 |
| #2 | Caribbean University-Ponce | 45 | $4,964 | $22,842 |
| #3 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #4 | Blackfeet Community College | 39 | $5,410 | $22,953 |
| #5 | Donnelly College | 33 | $11,476 | $35,715 |
| #6 | Voorhees University | 27 | $13,335 | $35,339 |
| #18 | Naropa University | 10 | $29,179 | $28,720 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Naropa University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Naropa University
The highest-earning program at Naropa University is Psychology, General at $12,500/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Psychology, General graduate from Naropa University earns $12,500, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $12,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Psychology, General graduates carry $24,500 in median debt vs. $24,500 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $29,179/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | $12,500 | $12,500 | $24,500 |
Similar Colleges in CO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Boulder, CO
- Student Body
- 339 students
- Admission Rate
- 100%
- Graduation Rate
- 42%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $29,179
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $28,720
- Median Student Debt
- $24,712