South
High School
College Athletics (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA)
Overview of College Sports Levels
College athletics in the United States are organized into three main associations:
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
The NCAA is the largest college sports organization. It includes Division I, II, and III schools. Division I and II schools can offer athletic scholarships. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships but do offer other forms of financial aid.
NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)
The NAIA includes smaller colleges and universities. These schools offer competitive athletics and may provide athletic scholarships.
NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)
The NJCAA includes two-year community and technical colleges. These programs can help student-athletes develop their skills and transfer to four-year colleges later.
NCAA Eligibility Requirements
Student-athletes who want to compete at NCAA Division I or II schools must meet academic and amateurism requirements.
Requirements include:
- Completion of NCAA-approved core courses
- A minimum grade point average in core courses
- Standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) for Division I and II
- Registration with the NCAA Eligibility Center
NCAA Eligibility Center:
https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/
NAIA Eligibility Requirements
To compete in NAIA athletics, students generally must:
- Graduate from high school
- Meet academic requirements based on GPA and/or class rank
- Register with the NAIA Eligibility Center
NAIA Eligibility Center:
https://www.naia.org/student-athletes/eligibility-center
NJCAA Athletics
NJCAA schools are two-year colleges that offer athletic opportunities for student-athletes.
Key points:
- Admission requirements vary by college
- Many student-athletes use NJCAA programs to improve academics or athletic skills
- Students may transfer to NCAA or NAIA schools after completing a two-year program
Timeline for Student-Athletes
Ninth and Tenth Grade
- Focus on academic performance and eligibility courses
- Participate in school sports and build skills
- Explore camps and clinics
Eleventh Grade
- Register with NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Center if planning to compete
- Communicate with college coaches
- Take the ACT or SAT
- Begin creating an athletic resume and highlight video
Twelfth Grade
- Confirm eligibility requirements are complete
- Apply to colleges
- Complete recruiting and signing processes if applicable
Steps for Students
Student-athletes should:
- Maintain strong grades, especially in core academic classes
- Speak with coaches early about college opportunities
- Create an athletic resume with statistics and achievements
- Develop a highlight video when appropriate
- Research colleges that match academic and athletic goals
Recruiting Information
College recruiting often begins early. Students should:
- Contact coaches with updates and athletic information
- Attend camps, combines, or showcases when possible
- Consider multiple levels of competition to increase opportunities
- Stay realistic and open to different college pathways
Support and Guidance
Students and families can contact the school counseling office for:
- NCAA and NAIA eligibility questions
- Transcript and academic documentation requests
- College planning support
- Recruiting guidance