1. The Road to College Athletics
NCAA and NAIA Eligibility Centers:
Eligibility, Registration, and
Recruiting

2. NCAA NCAA vs NAIA NAIA National Collegiate Athletic Association
A governing body of college athletics
Dedicated to the well being and lifelong success of college athletes
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
A governing body of college athletics
Boasts proud tradition of intercollegiate athletics, academic excellence, and character values.

3. Eligibility: Know the Rules
NCAA
NAIA
NCAA Divisions I and II require 16 core courses. See the charts below.
Beginning August 1, 2016, NCAA Division I will require 10 core courses to be completed prior to the seventh semester (seven of the 10 must be a combination of English, math or natural or physical science that meet the distribution requirements below). These 10 courses become "locked in" at the start of the seventh semester and cannot be retaken for grade improvement.
Beginning August 1, 2016, it will be possible for a Division I college-bound student-athlete to still receive athletics aid and the ability to practice with the team if he or she fails to meet the 10 course requirement, but would not be able to compete.
Be graduate of an accredited high school or be accepted as a regular student in good standing as defined by the enrolling institution.
Meet two of the three following requirements . If as an entering freshman you do not meet at least two of the three standards, you CANNOT participate in athletics the first full year of attendance (2 semesters, 3 quarters, or equivalent.)

4. NCAA: 16 Core Course Rule Division I Division II 4 years of English.
3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher).
2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school).
1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.
2 years of social science.
4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy)
3 years of English.
2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher).
2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school).
3 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.
2 years of social science.
4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy)

5. NCAA: Test Scores
Division I uses a sliding scale to match test scores and core grade-point averages (GPA). The sliding scale for those requirements is shown on the next slide.
Division II requires a minimum SAT score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68.
The SAT score used for NCAA purposes includes only the critical reading and math sections. The writing section of the SAT is not used.
The ACT score used for NCAA purposes is a sum of the following four sections: English, mathematics, reading and science.
When you register for the SAT or ACT, use the NCAA Eligibility Center code of 9999 to ensure all SAT and ACT scores are reported directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center from the testing agency.
Test scores that appear on transcripts will not be used.

6. NCAA: Sliding Scale for Testing & GPA

7. NCAA: Grade-Point Average
Be sure to look at your high school’s List of NCAA Courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center's website ( Only courses that appear on your school's List of NCAA Courses will be used in the calculation of the core GPA. Use the list as a guide.
Division I students enrolling full time before August 1, 2016, should use Sliding Scale A to determine eligibility to receive athletics aid, practice and competition during the first year.
Division I GPA required to receive athletics aid and practice on or after August 1, 2016, is (corresponding test-score requirements are listed on Sliding Scale on slide 6).
Division I GPA required to be eligible for competition on or after August 1, 2016, is (corresponding test-score requirements are listed on Sliding Scale on slide 6).
The Division II core GPA requirement is a minimum of
Remember, the NCAA GPA is calculated using NCAA core courses only.

8. Now What? You know all the rules and you’re ELIGIBLE.
Google NCAA Eligibility Center or click on and get started

9. Step 1: Get NCAA Registered

10. Step 2: Create an Account

11. Step 3: Email to Get Instructions

12. NCAA Eligibility Center Contact Information

13. NAIA: TEST SCORE REQUIREMENT
Minimum Score:
ACT=18
MUST be taken on the National Testing Date
EXCEPTION if the state uses it as part of their state testing (CO, MI, IL).
SAT= 860 (critical reading and math ONLY)

14. NAIA: High School GPA REQUIREMENT
Minimum overall high school GPA of on a scale
GPA calculations are determined by the high school. Whatever the high school reports to us is what is used. The requirement is that the students GPA be recorded and awarded in the same manner as every other student at the high school.

15. NAIA: Class Rank
Must be part of the top 50% of high school graduating class.
This is a strict requirement.

16. Things to Remember… NAIA wants
to ensure a smooth transition from high school to college as a college athlete.
to prepare the student to be academically successful.
to see the students graduate with a degree.

17. Now What? You know all the rules and you’re ELIGIBLE.
Google NAIA Eligibility Center or click on and get started

18. STEP 1: Get NAIA Registered

19. STEP 2: Fill out a Profile & Follow the Directions

20. NAIA Eligibility Center
NAIA Eligibility Center Contact Information
NAIA Eligibility Center
Phone: (816)
Toll Free: (866)
Hours: Monday-Friday
8:30am-5pm Central
Transcripts & Fee Waiver Confirmations
NAIA Eligibility Center
PO Box 15340
Kansas City, MO 64106

21. Questions to Ask as You Consider College…
Athletic Questions
Will I be redshirted my first year?
What expectations do you have for training and conditioning?
How would you describe your coaching style?
Academics
What academic support programs are available to student-athletes?
How many credit hours should I take in season and out of season?
Is summer school available?
College Life
What are the residence halls like?
Must student-athletes live on campus?
Financial Aid
How much financial aid is available for both the academic year and summer school?
What are my opportunities for employment while I am a student?
Are there academic criteria tied to maintaining the scholarship?