Playing Sports in College

Are you interested in playing sports in college someday?

There are three organizations that help run college sports. Each group has its own rules. These rules tell you what you need to do in high school to be allowed to play sports in college. 

Click on the pictures below to learn more about each organization.

NAIA

• These schools are usually smaller and have fewer students
• Eligibility is determined by overall GPA and possible test score
• Competitive and opportunity for a lot of play time
• Member schools
• Eligibility Information

NCAA

• Most strict organization with eligibility
• Students must take specific classes to be eligible
  • Check eligible classes here
    • School Code: 060425
• Classes within Special Education or Newcomer CLDE do not count towards eligibility
• Competitive 
• Division I
  • Division I Member Schools
  • Eligibility Information
• Division II
  • Division II Member Schools
  • Eligibility Information
• Division III
  • Division III Member Schools
  • Eligibility Information

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NJCAA

• Organization that represents Junior Colleges
• Students can attend a Junior College and then transfer to a school within NAIA or NCAA
• Great opportunity for students that don’t meet the eligibility requirements of NAIA or NCAA
• Great opportunity to experience college academics in a smaller setting 
• Eligibility
  • Graduate from High School
  • Be an amateur (never participated on a professional or semi-professional team or league)
  • Member Schools

Not sure where to begin? 

1. Talk to your Coach or Athletic Director about the Recruitment process and which organization to consider
2. Look at these guides for Student-Athletes to help determine which organization makes sense for you. NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA
3. Talk to your Counselor about your academic eligibility