Student Athlete

Artwork: Julia Silverstone Class of 2021

To play Division I or II sports at any US college, a student-athlete must have registered
with the NCAA Eligibility Center at www.eligibilitycenter.org

There are three divisions within the NCAA:

● Division I schools, on average, enroll the most students, manage the largest athletics budgets, offer a wide array of academic programs and provide the most athletics scholarships.

● Division II provides growth opportunities through academic achievement, high-level athletics competition and community engagement. Many participants are first-generation college students.

● The Division III experience provides an integrated environment that focuses on academic success while offering competitive athletics and meaningful non-athletics opportunities.

It is important to understand the difference between Division I, Division II and Division III levels of play and how athletics factor into admission. Division I and Division II colleges may offer athletic scholarships. Division III colleges do not offer scholarships based on athletic ability, but coaches may influence admission decisions for students and affect financial aid packages.

To play Division I or II sports at any US college, a student-athlete must have registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center at www.eligibilitycenter.org . This process can be started as early as sophomore year. In Division III, this certification of a student-athlete is conducted by each college and not by the NCAA.

Please note that there is a charge to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, unless you are eligible for a fee waiver. Please see your counselor for more information as to whether you may be eligible for a waiver.

For more information reach out to your school counselor
and see the Post-Secondary Guide pages 50-55