The advantages of competing in college sports are both immediate and lifelong. Participating in college sports provides opportunities to learn, compete and succeed. Student-athletes receive top-notch academic support, quality medical care and regular access to outstanding coaching, facilities and equipment. Student-athletes as a group graduate at higher rates than their peers in the general student body and feel better prepared for life after college.

Four year colleges that offer athletic programs fall into either the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).  NCAA member schools are usually larger public universities, while NAIA institutions are typically smaller colleges, the majority of which are private. The NCAA has three divisions: Division I, II, & III.  Division I schools are typically the largest schools (in terms of student enrollment) with the most visible and widely-known sports programs.  These schools generally devote the largest amount of funds to athletic programs and offer the most athletic scholarships. Schools in Division I compete at the highest level. Division II schools focus on balancing academics and athletics, and also emphasize community service.  Division II athletes have the opportunity to compete at the highest level while pursuing higher education.  These schools do not devote the same level of financial resources as division I schools and have a limited number of athletic scholarships.  Division III schools focuses on the student-athlete's academics and are prohibited from awarding athletic scholarships. Students still have an opportunity to pursue their passion of playing collegiate athletics.  Two-year community colleges with athletic programs fall under the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). NAIA & NJCAA schools can offer athletic scholarships.

What's the difference between NCAA & NAIA?

What's the difference between NCAA, NAIA, & NJCAA?

College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in NCAA Division I and II & NAIA schools need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center or PLAY NAIA  to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework. The is a fee to register. If you qualify for Free/Reduced lunch, please contact the College & Career Center to inquire about applying for a fee waiver. Click here to apply for Free/Reduced lunch. If you qualify, you will be eligible for an NCAA and/or NAIA fee waiver.

Be sure to take the right high school courses in order to be eligible to play and receive a scholarship!

Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete 2025-26

What courses will qualify me to be eligible under NCAA guidelines? 

Check out Kapolei High School's current list of approved NCAA courses

Education-Impacting Disabilities

How to Request Final Amaterism Certification

Division I & II Worksheets-To assist the student with meeting the eligibility requirements

(Note: Kapolei High School's CEEB Code is 120161)

Need help?  Have questions?  Contact Mr. Okoji at (808) 305-8117 or myles.okoji@k12.hi.us.