Eligibility Requirements To Play College Sports

Eligibility Requirements To Play College Sports

NCAA Eligibility Requirements

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)

The NCAA governs most U.S. college sports. There are 3 divisions, each with slightly different rules.

 

Academic Requirements

High School Core Courses:

Division I: 16 core courses (English, math, science, social science).

Division II: 16 core courses, but with slightly different GPA requirements

Division III: Colleges set their own academic requirements

 

Minimum GPA:

Division I: 2.3 in core courses.

Division II: 2.2 in core courses.

 

Standardized Test Scores (if used):

Many schools are now test-optional, but check your specific program.

 

Amateurism Requirements

Must be an amateur athlete, meaning:

  • No professional contracts.
  • No payment for playing.
  • No endorsement deals that violate NCAA NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules.

 

Eligibility Center Registration

  • You must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to get cleared for Division I or II competition.
NAIA Eligibility Requirements

NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

 

Academic Requirements

You must meet two of the following three:

  • 2.0+ GPA.
  • Top 50% of graduating class.
  • Minimum SAT/ACT score (970 SAT / 18 ACT).

 

Amateurism Requirements

Must be an amateur athlete, meaning:

  • No professional contracts.
  • No payment for playing.
  • No endorsement deals.

 

Eligibility Center Registration

You must register with the PlayNAIA to get cleared for Division I or II competition.

NJCAA Eligibility Requirements

NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)

The athletic governing body for community colleges.

 

Academic Requirements

Must be a high school graduate, General Education Diploma holder, or have completed homeschooling.

International students must have their transcripts translated into English, be from years 9 and up, and be an acceptable proof of graduation. 

 

Amateurism Requirements

You must not have played as a professional athlete.

You must maintain amateur status at all times whilst at college.

Additional Considerations for Eligibility

Full-time Student Status: You must be enrolled as a full-time student to compete.

Maintain your GPA: You must keep your GPA above the academic requirements of the governing body to continue to compete each year. 

Transfer Rules: If you transfer schools, there may be “sit-out” periods depending on division and sport.

Age Limits: Some governing bodies have age limits or eligibility caps (you will usually have 5 years to compete for 4 seasons).

 

Unsure if you meet the eligibility requirements to play college sports in the US? Don’t leave it to chance – speak with an expert to confirm your eligibility before committing to a university. 

Contact us today for a free evaluation and take the first step toward competing in the US with confidence on where you’re eligible.

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