Last Updated on September 30, 2026
Quick answer: Here is the core NCAA information for future athletes: the NCAA governs Divisions I, II, and III, and only Division I and II schools offer athletics scholarships. To compete in Division I or II, you register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, complete 16 core courses, and meet a minimum core-course GPA. Test scores are no longer required.
NCAA Information: 5 Facts for Aspiring Student-Athletes
If you are looking for NCAA information as a future college athlete, start with the big picture. Aside from the learning experience, what makes colleges more exciting are the different perks and services that they offer. A huge part of student satisfaction in a school is having a robust line-up of extra-curricular activities to enjoy, and for many students, sports are at the top of that list.
College sports are a major part of campus life in the United States: the NCAA alone includes more than 1,000 member schools and more than 500,000 student-athletes. [1] It has become a platform for aspiring athletes to further their careers, and having a culture of dedicated student-athletes has also been an important part of student life in many universities.
As the interest in collegiate athletics has increased over the years, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has risen as the primary arbiter of college athletics for schools all across the country. It’s helped universities and their athletic department, and the consistency has allowed college sports to spread and further cater to more students. For soon-to-be college scholars, here are some facts about the NCAA that can help you begin your interest in college sports.
NCAA Divisions and Athletic Scholarships
On top of being one of the prime governing bodies for student college sports, the NCAA also helps universities manage the scholarships and opportunities that are offered to students. NCAA member schools are split into three divisions. Division I and Division II schools can offer athletics scholarships, while Division III schools do not offer athletics aid, though Division III is the largest NCAA division by participation.
The divisions also differ in scale and time commitment. Division I programs compete on the largest collegiate stage, with the most demanding travel and training schedules. Division II offers a balance of high-level competition and academics, and Division III emphasizes the full college experience, with athletes competing for NCAA championships while following the same admissions process as other students. When you build your college list, think about which level fits both your athletic ability and the kind of student life you want.
International Student-Athletes
These opportunities are not only limited to student-athletes in the United States either. International students can also participate in NCAA sporting events. To do so, international students must register with the NCAA, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and submit their academic records, such as transcripts and proof of graduation from their secondary school. Depending on the school, students may also need to complete the TOEFL as well. Meeting the specific requirements opens the doors for thousands of students worldwide to compete in NCAA-sanctioned sports across the United States.
International athletes should start this process early. Academic records from other countries often need official translations, and the Eligibility Center reviews your coursework against its own core-course standards, which can take time. You will also need to show that you have kept your amateur status, which can be more complicated if you have played for club teams that pay athletes in your home country. Talk with coaches at the schools you are considering about how their international athletes handled these steps, and apply for admission on the same timeline as other international applicants.
How Did the NCAA Begin?
The NCAA was founded in March 1906. Prior to that, football was considered a rather dangerous sport. Injuries and wounded athletes were much more commonplace. According to the New England Historical Society, the Chicago Tribune recorded the deaths of 19 athletes during the 1905 football season, though the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune recorded even more. [2]
Following this, President Theodore Roosevelt, a known fan of football, held two white house conferences in response to these deaths. Following this, then chancellor of New York University Henry MacCracken and constituents from over a dozen other universities held a meeting initiating changes to the sport. This resulted in the formation of the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS) in 1906, which was renamed the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 1910.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
The NCAA doesn’t just cater to students’ athletic capabilities. Those who attend college do so to study, and students don’t have to forgo their academics to participate in and compete in sporting events. The NCAA also works to help students maintain their academic performance in conjunction with their athletic aspirations.
For example, Division II schools, in partnership with the NCAA, make sure that there is sufficient time for students to excel in their studies, as well as compete and train for sports. Resources and mentorships are available to students who need help balancing their time. The NCAA maintains strict standards for its students, so student-athletes should use all the advantages at their disposal to keep their grades and physical performance.
Staying Eligible in College
Academic rules do not stop once you arrive on campus. Division I and Division II athletes must keep passing enough courses and make steady progress toward a degree each year to stay eligible to compete. That means choosing a major early enough to stay on track, meeting regularly with your academic advisor, and planning your hardest courses around your competition season. Most athletic departments offer study halls, tutoring, and academic advising built around team schedules, so use them from your first semester rather than waiting until grades slip.
NCAA Eligibility Requirements
As mentioned earlier, the NCAA maintains standards for its athletes. [3] To compete in your first year, Division I requires you to graduate high school, complete 16 NCAA-approved core courses, and earn at least a 2.3 GPA in those courses. Division II requires the same 16 core courses and at least a 2.2 core-course GPA. In January 2023, Divisions I and II removed standardized test scores from initial-eligibility requirements, although individual colleges may still require them for admission. Division I also expects early progress: you must complete 10 of your 16 core courses, including seven in English, math, and science, before the start of your seventh semester of high school (known as the 10/7 rule).
As the foremost governing body for college athletics, the NCAA means to foster excellence within its athletes, which means their physical capabilities, depth of character, and academic pursuits. So, students interested in joining a division, whether it be I, II, or Division III athletics, should all work to be the best of themselves and not just maintain the minimum standards but exceed them in all aspects of their college experience.
What Happens If You Fall Short
If you do not meet every Division I requirement, you may still qualify as an academic redshirt, which lets you practice during your first regular term and receive an athletics scholarship during your first year, though you cannot compete that year. In Division II, a student who misses the standards becomes a partial qualifier, who may practice and receive an athletics scholarship but may not compete. [3] The simplest way to avoid either outcome is to check your high school’s list of NCAA-approved core courses each year and plan your schedule around it with your counselor.
How College Recruiting Works
Recruiting rules are set by the NCAA and vary by division and sport. Division I rules limit when coaches can start recruiting conversations with you, and the exact dates depend on your sport, so look up the calendar for your sport early in high school. Division II and Division III rules are generally less restrictive.
You do not have to wait for coaches to find you. Research programs where you would be both a competitive athlete and a good academic fit, then send coaches a short email with your academic record, results, schedule, and a highlight video. Keep them updated as your season goes on. Our guide to athletic recruiting walks through each step, and our advice on college recruiting covers how to evaluate interest from coaches.
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center early in high school if you hope to play Division I or II, and ask your counselor to send official transcripts so your core courses can be reviewed. [3] Remember, too, that athletic ability helps most when your academic record is competitive, which is why recruited athletes still need solid grades and a thoughtful application. Learn more about the recruited athlete advantage in admissions and what it can and cannot do for you.
Get Support With Your Plan
The NCAA is a potent platform that many aspiring student-athletes can use to advance in their academic and athletic careers. If you are or have a soon-to-be college athlete, or if you are just interested in trying out sports, InGenius Prep’s programs are here to help.
With Candidacy Building, we pair high school students with Graduate Coaches and Former Admissions Officers from top United States universities to explore your interests, find your activities, and become a star student in your field. For students who want support with the application itself, our Application Counseling program works with you on every part of your application to your top-choice colleges.
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