College Athletics

While many student-athletes aspire to compete at the D1 or D2 level, there are additional opportunities to play at other collegiate athletic levels. We encourage all student-athletes to prioritize academics and be college-ready. Recruited athletes should research their chosen colleges to ensure they meet all academic eligibility requirements for admission. Select an athletic level below to explore the various college athletic opportunities available.

NCAA

Division I (D1)
- Highest level of competition
- Full and partial athletic scholarships available
- Large universities with substantial funding and facilities
- Strict academic and athletic requirements (More information provided below)
Division II (D2)
- Competitive but slightly less intense than D1
- Partial scholarships common (fewer full scholarships)
- Balanced focus on athletics and academics (More information provided below)
Division III (D3)
- No athletic scholarships, but financial aid is available
- Focus on academics while still competing at a high level
- Smaller schools with a strong emphasis on student-athlete experience

NAIA

NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

Smaller schools, often private colleges
Offers athletic scholarships
Competitive but generally less intense than NCAA D1/D2
More flexible eligibility and recruiting rules

NJCAA

NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)

Two-year colleges (junior/community colleges)
A pathway for athletes to transfer to NCAA or NAIA programs

Additional Organizations

Other Organizations

CCCAA (California Community College Athletic Association) – Governs junior college athletics in California
USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) – Small colleges and junior colleges
NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) – Faith-based schools with competitive athletics

Click through each grade level below to explore recommended courses that ensure D1 eligibility while also preparing student-athletes for college success.

There is no one-size-fits-all schedule, as each student's academic journey is unique. These recommendations serve as a general guide. For personalized advice, meet with your school counselor.

9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

12th Grade

NCAA D1/D2 Requirements

Click the images below for an example worksheet for Division I and Division II eligibility.

NCAA Division I

To be eligible to practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship in your first year of full-time enrollment, you must meet the following requirements:

Earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in the following areas:
- Four years of English.
- Three years of math (Algebra 1 or higher).
- Two years of science (including one year of lab, if offered).
- One extra year of English, math, or science.
- Two years of social science.
- Four additional years of English, math, science, social science, world language, comparative religion or philosophy.
Complete your 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in eight semesters from your initial start of ninth grade. If you graduate from high school early, you still must meet core-course requirements.
Meet the 10/7 requirement by completing 10 of your 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits, including seven in English, math or science, before the start of your seventh semester. Note: Students with solely international academic credentials (including Canada) are not required to meet the 10/7 requirement.
Earn a minimum 2.3 core-course GPA.
Ask your high school counselor to upload your final official transcript with proof of graduation to your Eligibility Center account.
Receive academic and amateurism certifications from the Eligibility Center.
- For questions about name, image and likeness, click here.
- Learn more about amateurism.

NCAA Division II

To be eligible to practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship in your first year of full-time enrollment, you must meet the following requirements:

Earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in the following areas:
- Three years of English.
- Two years of math (Algebra 1 or higher).
- Two years of science (including one year of lab, if offered).
- Three extra years of English, math or science.
- Two years of social science.
- Four additional years of English, math, science, social science, world language, comparative religion or philosophy.
Earn a minimum 2.2 core-course GPA.
Ask your high school counselor to upload your final official transcript with proof of graduation to your Eligibility Center account.
Receive academic and amateurism certifications from the Eligibility Center.
- For questions about name, image and likeness, click here.
- Learn more about amateurism.

Division I Worksheet.pdf

Division II.pdf

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