NCAA/NAIA Eligibility

NCAA Division 1 Initial-Eligibility Requirements 

Core Courses: (16)

• Sixteen (16) core courses are required

• Ten (10) core courses completed before the seventh semester; seven (7) of the 10 must be in English, math or natural/physical science.

• • These courses/grades are "locked in" at the start of the seventh semester (cannot be repeated for grade-point average [GPA] improvement to meet initial-eligibility requirements for competition).

• Students who do not meet core-course progression requirements may still be eligible to receive athletics aid and practice in the initial year of enrollment by meeting academic redshirt requirements (see below).

Test Scores: (ACT/SAT)

Students must present a corresponding test score and core-course GPA on the sliding scale

• SAT: critical reading and math sections.

• Best sub score from each section is used to determine the SAT combined score for initial eligibility.

• ACT: English, math, reading and science sections.

• Best sub score from each section is used to determine the ACT sum score for initial eligibility.

All ACT and SAT attempts before initial full-time collegiate enrollment may be used for initial eligibility.

Enter 9999 during ACT or SAT registration to ensure the testing agency reports your score directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Test scores on transcripts will not be used.

Core Grade-Point Average:

• Only core courses that appear on the high school's List of NCAA Courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center's website (www.eligibilitycenter.org) will be used to calculate your core-course GPA. Use this list as a guide.

• Students must present a corresponding test score (ACT sum score or SAT combined score) and core-course GPA (minimum 2.300) on Sliding Scale B 

• Core-course GPA is calculated using the best 16 core courses that meet both progression (10 before seventh semester; seven in English, math or science; "locked in") and subject-area requirements.

U.S. students who have completed their junior year of high school may obtain an eligibility determination from the NAIA Eligibility Center before graduating from high school if they meet all the following requirements:

• Will enroll at an NAIA institution immediately after high school graduation

• Have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the conclusion of junior year OR have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale midway through senior year

• Have met minimum test score requirement (18 ACT or 860 SAT Critical Reading and Math)  

For further clarification refer to:

NAIA website:  https://www.playnaia.org/page/eligibility.php

NCAA website:  http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/play-division-i-sports