Information for Student-Athletes PDF

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes. Students interested in playing college sports at NCAA member schools should register with the association.

Athletes interested in playing college sports at NCAA Division I or II schools should carefully follow these steps before the end of their junior years. Division III colleges do not offer athletic scholarships, but athletes can receive academic grants or needs-based scholarships. 

1. Make an appointment with your counselor to review your credits, grades, and ACT scores. Review all NCAA academic requirements.

2. Take the ACT your junior year (it's offered on your campus in the spring). Send scores directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center by using code 9999 on the ACT information form. Note: Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch are eligible for two ACT fee waivers in addition to the school test date—see your counselor for more information.

3. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Review this NCAA registration checklist to make sure you have everything you need. The best time to register is immediately after completing your junior year, July 1. Note: Students who use a fee waiver to take the ACT, SAT, or PSAT also qualify for a waiver of the NCAA registration fee.

4. Have your transcripts sent to NCAA (see the registration clerk by the attendance office). The NCAA wants your 6th-semester grades included, so do this near the end of your junior year. 

5. Shortly before graduation, order a final transcript to be sent to NCAA.

College Athletics: What's the Difference Between Division I, II, and III Competition? Click this link to learn more.

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

The NAIA is an alternative to the NCAA, focused primarily on smaller colleges and universities. It also offers registration for students looking to play college sports.

Register with the NAIA.