The Different Collegiate Divisions for athletes...
What is the NCCAA?
The NCCAA is the National Christian College Athletic Association. Many NCCAA colleges are also NCAA or NAIA members. The NCCAA is divided into Division 1 and 2 schools. Only NCCAA Division 1 schools can offer athletic scholarships.
What is the NAIA?
The NAIA stands for National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The NAIA oversees the college sports programs for over 300 college athletic departments. The typical NAIA school competes at the level of an average NCAA Division 2 program. Normally an NAIA school is smaller than an NCAA school, but in many cases, they can offer more scholarships per sport.
What is the NCJAA?
The NJCAA is the National Junior College Athletic Association. Junior college is an excellent way to get both a quality education and play college sports at an affordable price. NJCAA member schools in Division 1 and 2 can offer athletic scholarships. NJCAA Division 3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Some student-athletes find it beneficial to study and play at a Junior College before transferring to a 4-year university as it gives them two more years to mature academically and athletically.
How important is timing when I’m trying to get recruited?
Timing is everything. Coaches recruit based on what they need to complete their team. If you play a position or participate in an event that the team is currently strong in, chances are they will not need to recruit you. When looking at programs you will want to research their current roster to see what their depth chart is relative to your talents.
How important is timing when I’m trying to get recruited?
Timing is everything. Coaches recruit based on what they need to complete their team. If you play a position or participate in an event that the team is currently strong in, chances are they will not need to recruit you. When looking at programs you will want to research their current roster to see what their depth chart is relative to your talents.
What is the NCAA Clearinghouse?
The NCAA department that used to be called the clearinghouse is now known as the eligibility center. The eligibility center is the organization that determines if you are academically eligible to play college athletics.
In high school there are a certain number of core courses required and minimum GPA and ACT/SAT scores you need to earn. You only need to register with the eligibility center if you plan on playing in the NCAA Division 1, 1-A or 2 levels.
Eligibility Center Info
In high school there are a certain number of core courses required and minimum GPA and ACT/SAT scores you need to earn. You only need to register with the eligibility center if you plan on playing at the NCAA Division 1, 1-A or 2 levels.
How important are grades and test scores?
Getting good grades and having good test scores is just as important as having good statistics in your sport. A coach can only recruit you if you are academically eligible to compete at that specific school.
Scholarship Opportunity
Landing an athletic scholarship isn’t all about being the best basketball player, wrestler or football player on your high school team anymore. There are many awards available for athletes who play not to make a career of a sport, but because they enjoy the game. Local leagues and organizations in sports like baseball and golf, for example, offer many scholarships just for playing on a team, no matter how good you are.
Sure, it helps to be talented in a given area, but if you’re not cut out for the lifestyle required to make you a marketable athlete at the top level of play, don’t be discouraged.
You don’t even have to play on your college’s team. Many rewards out there require only an interest in a sport and your intention to continue playing it when you go to college, even it’s on a club or intramural team.
Check out our examples of school-based and sports scholarships from outside organizations. Don’t rule out academic scholarships when applying for funding, as you won’t be playing on the team if you can’t pay tuition.