College-bound student-athletes first entering an NCAA Division I, II or NAIA college or university will need to meet academic rules in order to receive athletics aid (scholarship), practice or compete during their first year.
Click below for the registration information for each division.
Student-athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to be eligible to play NCAA Division I or II sports in college. Athletes playing in Division III do not have to register.
The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or II institutions. It does this by reviewing the student-
athlete’s academic record, SAT or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules.
The NCAArecommends that student-athletes register at the beginning of their junior year in high school, but many students register after their junior year. There is no registration deadline, but students must be cleared by the Eligibility Center before they receive athletic scholarships or compete at a Division I or II institution.
How to Register with the NCAA to begin eligibility process:
Students must register online at the NCAA Eligibility Center. They will have to enter personal information, answer questions about their course work and sports participation outside of high school and pay a registration fee.
Select Prospective Student-Athletes and then register as a U.S. or international student. Complete the Student Release Form online and include your credit or debit card information to pay the fee. Then follow instructions to complete the transaction. Print a copy of your completed registration form and both Copy 1 and Copy 2 of the Transcript Release Form. Sign the Transcript Release Forms and give both to your high school guidance office.
NAIA (National Association of Inter-Collegiate Athletics)
PlayNAIA.org is the official clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility. Every student-athlete must register with the NAIA eligibility center to play sports at an NAIA college. The eligibility center is also a powerful tool to help athletes connect with
coaches and NAIA schools – and find money for college through thousands of NAIA athletic scholarships.
The NAIA Eligibility Center will determine your eligibility based on your academic record and additional information you provide.
