Application Process

Step 1: fill out the Contemplative Semester application

  • Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis. Our priority application deadline is October 1 — all applications received by then will be prioritized.

  • The application form is hosted by the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies — the above link will direct you to their Submittable platform.

  • We value authenticity — no need to pretend to be perfect! We want to know your whole self :)

Step 2: fill out the scholarship application, if applicable

  • We are committed to making the Contemplative Semester accessible to folks who would not be able to attend without financial support. We offer a limited number of need-based scholarships, with several scholarships reserved for BIPOC with financial need.

  • If you requested scholarship in your initial application, you will receive an email with a link to a short scholarship application form after we receive your application.

  • If you applied for scholarship, your will receive your response within one-month of your acceptance.

Step 3: schedule & have a video call with us

  • After submitting the application, you will hear back from us via email within 2 weeks.

  • If invited to the next stage, you will receive an email to schedule a 45-minute Zoom call with 1-2 Contemplative Semester staff members. This is a chance for us to get to know each other more deeply, inquire about your application, and for you to ask any questions you have about the program.

We aim to notify students of acceptance status to the Contemplative Semester within 2 weeks of your video call.

If you have not heard from us by then, feel free to reach out!

Application Deadlines

  • Early Application Deadline: Oct 1, 2025 - while we accept applications on a first-come-first-served rolling basis, all applications received by this date will be prioritized.

  • Applications Close: Jan 3, 2026

Deposit and Tuition Deadlines

  • A non-refundable deposit of 20% of your tuition fee is due 2 weeks after acceptance to confirm your spot.

  • If we receive your application after Oct 1, your deposit is 50% of your total tuition fees and is due 1 week after your acceptance.

  • Your full tuition amount is due 1 month after your acceptance date.

Refund Policy

  • Any tuition paid before Oct 1 is subject to an 80% refund upon early withdrawal.

  • Any tuition paid between Oct 1 and Jan 1 is subject to a 50% refund.

  • Participants who withdraw after Jan 1, including withdrawal from the program early either by choice or by dismissal, are not eligible for refunds.

  • Any tuition money forfeited due to early withdrawal will be donated to the CS scholarship fund.

PROGRAM FEES

Tuition: $15,400

Tuition fees go toward fourteen weeks room & board at the Potash Hill campus, a living wage for our staff (teachers, mentors, and on-site chefs), program supplies, and other program expenses. Travel to/from Potash Hill not included; we do help coordinate ride shares.

College Credit & 529 Funds

For those seeking a full semester of college credit, we offer up to 16 credits through Naropa University for an added $2000.

Families are usually able to use 529 funds to pay for at least a portion of the semester. Please inquire and consult with your financial advisor.

Financial Aid

We are committed to making the Contemplative Semester accessible to young people who would not be able to attend without financial support.

We offer need-based scholarships, and have several scholarships reserved for BIPOC folks with financial need. If you are in need of scholarship support in order to attend, please mark that on your application and we will send you a scholarship form via email. We cannot offer full scholarships, but will try our best to work with you based on what you can afford.

Applications are open for Spring ‘26!

Interested in living in contemplative community?

Get updates on the Spring ‘26 Contemplative Semester!