College Bound Athletes

NCAA ELIGIBILITY RULES AND ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA temporarily eased initial eligibility requirements by removing standardized testing. This change will now become a permanent
policy for students starting college full-time from the 2023-2024 academic year and onward.

This means the NCAA will no longer require standardized testing as part of the eligibility criteria. Although NCAA isn’t making the SAT or ACT mandatory, you may still need to
take them. Some colleges continue to expect these scores for admission and specific scholarships may request them too.

Your academic eligibility is based on two factors:

1. Core Course Requirement: You’ll need to pass 16 approved NCAA Core Courses during your high school years. Exact requirements very slightly between D1 and D2 schools.
2. Core Course GPA: Your GPA will be calculated based on your performance in core courses, not your entire high school transcript. The NCAA provides a core course
worksheet to help, but it’s recommended you meet with your school counselor as well.

NCAA AMATEURISM REQUIREMENTS

Your amateur status is determined by following NCAA Amateurism Rules, which are in place to ensure that student-athletes do not receive compensation or benefits that could jeopardize their amateur status. Students who are enrolling at a D1 or D2 school for the first time must obtain a final amateurism certification before becoming eligible to participate in college sports.

Examples of situations that may impact a prospective student-athlete’s amateur status include:
Having received prize money (beyond participation reimbursement)
Signing contracts or receiving benefits from agents
Receiving money for promoting products or services
Making money using their athletic ability or fame
Delaying full-time collegiate enrollment to compete in organized sports
The new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules allow college athletes to earn money from endorsements and promotions while remaining amateurs. However, it’s important to understand these rules, including state laws, to ensure you maintain your eligibility.

NCAA DIVISION 1 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

For high-school athletes enrolling in college full-time in 23’-24’ and beyond:

Complete 16 core courses using pass/fail grades:

Core Course Progression:
You must complete 10 core courses by the beginning of senior year, or seventh semester. Among these 10, seven must be in the subjects of English,math or natural/physical science. This is known as the 10/7 rule.
Earn a core course GPA of 2.3 or higher
Graduate High School
Receive final certification on your amateurism status via the NCAA Eligibility Center

NCAA DIVISION 2 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

For high-school athletes enrolling in college full-time in 23’-24’ and beyond

Complete 16 core courses using pass/fail grades:

o English: 4 years
o Math (Algebra 1 or higher): 3 years
o Natural/Physical Science (Including 1 year of lab, if offered): 2 years
o Social Science: 2 years
o Additional Courses
English, Math, or Science: 1 year
English, Math, Sciences, Foreign Language, Comparative Religion or
Philosophy: 4 years
Earn a core course GPA of 2.2 or higher
Graduate high school
Receive final certification on your amateurism status via the NCAA Eligibility Center

NCAA DIVISION 3 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Division 3 schools are responsible for setting their own academic eligibility rules. If you are going to be competing for a D3 institution, or if you are unsure what division level you’ll be competing at, you can start with a free NCAA Profile page. If you do decide to pursue a D1 or D2 program, you can always transition to a Certification Account later.

All this information, and more, can be found here.

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