Want to Play College Sports?
Benefits of College Athletics
Competing in college sports offers both immediate and lifelong advantages. Student-athletes gain access to:
- Academic Support
- Quality Medical Care
- Elite Coaching and Facilities
- They also graduate at a higher rates than their peers and feel better prepared for life after college
Eligibility Requirements
- Division I & II: Students must be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center for academic and athletic eligibility
- Division III: International students must obtain amateurism certification; academic standards are set by individual schools.
NCAA Divisions Overview
- Division I: Largest schools, biggest budgets, most scholarships
- Division II: Emphasizes academic achievement and community engagement
- Division III: Focuses on academic success with competitive athletics
Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes
The 2025–26 guide is a comprehensive resource covering:
- NCAA eligibility steps
- Academic benchmarks
- Timelines for registration and recruitment
- It’s designed to help students, families, and counselors navigate the journey from high school to college athletics
- Click here to learn more, Download the Guide
Other Athletic Pathways
Beyond the NCAA, students can explore:
- NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)
- NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)
- Paralympic Sports via Team USA and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee
Key Topics for Student-Athletes
Resources and guidance are available on:
- Eligibility standards
- Core courses and GPA
- Homeschool and international students
- Recruiting and scholarships
- Education-impacting disabilities
Name, Image, Likeness (NIL)
Student-athletes can earn compensation from third parties using their personal brand. The NCAA supports NIL opportunities across all divisions.
Additional Resources
- Recruiting Flyer Fact Sheet
- Academic Requirement Flyers
- Health and Safety Guidance
- Sexual Violence Prevention Toolkit
Frequently Asked Questions About the NCAA
What is the NCAA?
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes. Colleges, universities, athletic conferences, and other affiliated organizations are NCAA members. The NCAA national office staff in Indianapolis supports the members. Together, the members and the national office staff are known as the NCAA.
Is the NCAA focused only on sports?
No. The association’s belief in student-athletes as students first is a foundational principle. As such, college-bound and continuing student-athletes must meet academic standards to participate in NCAA sports. NCAA student-athletes as a group annually outperform counterparts in the general student body in graduation rates. The NCAA funds many programs that directly support the educational, financial, and health and safety needs of student-athletes.
How does the NCAA set rules?
The rules governing NCAA sports are developed through a member-led governance system. Using this collection of committees led by college and university presidents, athletics directors and college athletes, NCAA members introduce and vote on proposed legislation. The national office staff provides administrative help, continuity, research and legal expertise.
What does the NCAA do with the money it earns?
The money is distributed in more than a dozen ways — almost all of which directly support NCAA schools, conferences and nearly half a million student-athletes.
How many championships does the NCAA sponsor?
Each year, more than 52,500 participants compete in the NCAA’s 90 championships in 24 sports across three divisions.
Where can I learn about becoming an NCAA student-athlete?
Creating an account with the NCAA Eligibility Center is the first step to becoming an NCAA student-athlete