College-bound student-athletes first entering an NCAA Division I, II or NAIA college or university will need to meet academic rules in order to receive athletics aid (scholarship), practice or compete during their first year. Below is registration information for each division: NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
Student-athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to be eligible to play NCAA Division I or II sports in college. Athletes playing in Division III do not have to register.
The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or II institutions. It does this by reviewing the student-athlete’s academic record, SAT or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules.
The NCAA recommends that student-athletes register at the beginning of their junior year in high school, but many students register after their junior year. There is no registration deadline, but students must be cleared by the Eligibility Center before they receive athletic scholarships or compete at a Division I or II institution.
How to Register with the NCAA to begin eligibility process:
Students must register online at the NCAA Eligibility Center.