NCAA Information and Resources

If you are interested in competing in college athletics at the NCAA Division 1 or Division 2 level, there are academic requirements and steps students must complete during high school. This guide outlines the key information and resources to help students stay on track.

The NCAA Eligibility Center determines whether student-athletes are academically eligible to compete in Division 1 or Division 2 athletics.

Students interested in D1 or D2 athletics must:
• Meet NCAA academic requirements
• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
• Submit transcripts and test scores if required
• Complete amateurism certification

Include link:
https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

To compete in NCAA Division 1 or Division 2 athletics, students must complete 16 NCAA-approved core courses in high school.

Division 1

• 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.

Division 2

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.

Important notes:

Students should confirm NCAA eligibility approved courses by reviewing high school course description and curriculum guide.

The NCAA core curriculum (core course) requirement ensures you’re taking high school courses

that prepare you for the academic expectations of college. Note: Not all high school classes are

NCAA-approved core courses and may not count toward your 16 core-course credit requirement.

An NCAA-approved core course must meet the following requirements:

Is a four-year college preparatory course in one of these subject areas:

English

Science(Including on year of lab if offered)

World Language

Math (Algebra 1 or higher)

Social Science

Is taught at or above your high school’s regular academic level.

You receive credit toward high school graduation and course appears

on an official transcript with course title, grade and credit awarded.

This is very important! Students should check that their core classes are listed on the NCAA approved course list. Select on NCAA high School portal below and enter your school's CEEB School Code to view list.

Not all high school courses automatically count toward NCAA eligibility.

Students should check the NCAA approved course list for their high school.

Courses such as:
• online classes
• credit recovery
• summer school

must be NCAA approved to count

Division 1

Minimum 2.3 core GPA

Division 2
Minimum 2.2 core GPA

Students must also meet sliding scale requirements if standardized tests are used.

Important note:

The NCAA calculates GPA using only these core courses, not the overall GPA.

Division 1 student-athletes must complete:

• 10 of the 16 core courses before senior year
• 7 must be English, math, or science

Once these grades are recorded, they cannot be replaced or repeated for NCAA purposes.

Typical timeline:

Freshman / Sophomore
• Focus on strong grades
• Build athletic development

Junior Year
• Register with NCAA Eligibility Center
• Communicate with college coaches

Senior Year
• Final transcript submitted
• Amateurism certification completed

Students are interested in exploring options to play a college sport in the NAIA division please take a look at the NAIA website for more details.