NAIA Eligibility for High School Students

Prospective student-athletes can focus on three straightforward academic criteria without the burden of navigating complex eligibility and recruiting rules. A student instantly qualifies for eligibility upon high school graduation by earning a 2.3+ GPA or by meeting two of the three following criteria: 

 

• A cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Class rank within the top 50% of their graduating class
• ACT score of 18 or SAT score of 970 (Critical Reading and Math combined)

Transfer Students

If you’re transferring from a two- or four-year college and never played previously in the NAIA, the Eligibility Center will determine your eligibility based on academic records received directly from the previous institution(s).

If you have previously competed at a two- or four-year institution, you need the following in order to receive an eligible determination by the NAIA EC: 

 

• 1 Season of Competition used = 24 credit hours earned over last two full time semesters, 2.0+ CUM GPA & 24 total credit hours earned
• 2 Seasons of Competition used = 24 credit hours earned over last two full time semesters, 2.0+ CUM GPA & 48 total credit hours earned
• 3 Seasons of Competition used = 24 credit hours earned over last two full time semesters, 2.0+ CUM GPA & 72 total credit hours earned

Current NAIA Students Playing Sports For The First Time

If you’re a current NAIA student who has not previously competed in the NAIA, the Eligibility Center will determine your eligibility based on academic records received directly from your current insitution and any previous institution(s) you've attended.

NAIA Ongoing Eligibility Rules

For students already enrolled at NAIA institutions, your best resource for eligibility questions is your campus Faculty Athletics Representative. The NAIA Official Handbook outlines all association rules governing eligibility.

For any questions regarding the NAIA Elgibility Center please contact your head coach.