NCAA Eligibility Requirements

If you want to compete in NCAA sports, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at eligibilitycenter.org.
It is recommended that you register before your freshman year of high school. For more information on registration, visit on.ncaa.com/RegChecklist.

Getting Started

• Register at: https://www.eligibilitycenter.org

• Track your academic progress throughout high school

Academic Requirements

Student-athletes who plan to compete in college sports at the Division I or Division II level must meet academic and eligibility requirements set by the NCAA. Division I and II schools require you to meet academic standards. 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:

Division I

Earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in the following areas:

• English: 4 years

• Math: 3 years (Algebra 1 or higher)

• Science: 2 years (including 1 year of lab)

• Additional: 1 year of English, Math, or Science

• Social Science: 2 years

• Additional core courses from any listed area (English, Math, Science, World Language, Comparative Religion, or Philosophy): 4 years

Additional requirements:

• Complete your 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits within eight academic semesters or four consecutive academic years from the start of ninth grade. If you graduate early, you must still meet core-course requirements.

• Complete 10 of your 16 core-course credits, including seven in English, Math, or Science, before the start of your seventh semester. Once your seventh semester begins, any course needed to meet the 10/7 requirement cannot be replaced or repeated.

• 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.

Division II

Earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in the following areas:

• English: 3 years

• Math: 2 years (Algebra 1 or higher)

• Science: 2 years (including 1 year of lab)

• Additional: 3 years of English, Math, or Science

• Social Science: 2 years

• Additional core courses from any listed area (English, Math, Science, World Language, Comparative Religion, or Philosophy): 4 years

Additional requirements:

• 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.

Division III

While Division III schools set their own admissions and academic requirements, international student-athletes (first-year enrollees and transfers) who enroll at a Division III school after August 1, 2023, must be certified as an amateur by the Eligibility Center. Contact the Division III school you plan to attend for more information about its academic requirements.


Important Reminders for Student-Athletes

• Stay on track with A–G approved courses

• Meet with your school counselor regularly to review eligibility

• Maintain strong academic performance every year

Still have questions?

Make an appointment with your counselor to learn more.