Live and Study in a Unique Environment

This is about as far from the status quo in terms of college settings that you’ll find anywhere. We limit enrollment to 24, so if you’re looking for all the social bells and whistles of a modern college you’re probably at the wrong website. If, however, you’re looking for a college education that offers a more contemplative setting and philosophical approach, read on.

Our campus is on 70 acres of the original Ananda Meditation Retreat in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. There could be anywhere from 4 to 12 students in any given class, so the ratio of teacher to student is quite high. Classrooms vary from yurts to temples to art studios and even a few standard structures.

The courses you will study are probably unlike any you’ve ever imagined, while some fulfill the standard college requirements needed for a liberal arts degree. Along with your course of study, you’ll be living in a small spiritual cooperative community that gives you the added dimension of life in an ashram. It’s really more like a family here, because the staff, students and some of the faculty all live here together. This makes for very interesting living and learning conditions. Some people may find this difficult to do. Others love it. Undoubtedly, you will learn LOTS about yourself and others. We all strive to work together to create a harmonious living situation based on shared ideals. Everyone helps out with chores and service projects as part of living in community. To learn more about what it’s like to live here, read our page on “Simple Living & High Thinking” and “Daily Life” as well as other parts of this website. If you’re still not satisfied, come for a visit.