National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
The NAIA governs student-athletes from 250 institutions and conferences across the United States. It oversees athletic programs for numerous colleges and universities, supporting thousands of student-athletes who compete in college sports every year. The NAIA’s headquarters are located in Kansas City, Missouri.
The association is divided into two divisions: Division I and Division II. NAIA schools in both divisions are allowed to offer athletic scholarships, though the financial aid packages vary by school. Division I schools typically have larger athletic programs with more resources, while Division II schools provide a more balanced approach between athletics and academics.
What is the difference between NAIA and NCAA?
A common question among young athletes considering college sports is the difference between the divisions. While Division 1 is often seen as the top tier in many sports around the world, this isn’t necessarily the case in college athletics. Universities that offer college sports must apply for affiliation with a specific division, and several factors—such as finances, location, and preferences—are taken into account when determining the division. Once a school chooses a division, its other sports teams usually compete in that same division. Being in NCAA Division 1 doesn’t automatically make a program superior. For example, a Division 1 soccer team isn’t inherently better than teams in Division 2, Division 3, or NAIA programs. Additionally, NAIA schools typically have tuition, food, and housing costs ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, without scholarships. For more details, check out our page on Choosing a University.
NAIA Universities
NAIA Academic Eligibility
Prospective student-athletes must maintain an overall grade average of C or 3 in subjects. To meet SAT eligibility requirements for NAIA institutions, students must achieve a minimum score of 18 on the ACT or 940 on the SAT. Note that if the SAT is taken multiple times, scores cannot be combined.
NAIA Eligibility Center
Prospective student-athletes must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center and receive clearance to be eligible to compete at the collegiate level.