NCAA Initial-Eligibility Standards

For Students Interested in Playing College Sports

If you are planning to participate in NCAA Division I, II, or III athletics, it’s important to understand and meet the initial-eligibility requirements. These academic standards ensure that student-athletes are prepared for the demands of college academics and competition.

Getting Started

All prospective NCAA student-athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center:
🔗 eligibilitycenter.org

We recommend students register before or during their freshman year of high school.

Division I Requirements

Students must:

• Complete 16 NCAA-approved core courses:

  • 4 years of English

  • 3 years of Math (Algebra I or higher)

  • 2 years of Natural/Physical Science (1 year of lab if offered)

  • 1 extra year of English, Math, or Science

  • 2 years of Social Science

  • 4 additional years of courses from any above areas or world language, comparative religion, or philosophy

• Earn at least a 2.3 GPA in core courses

• Complete 10 of the 16 core courses before the start of the 7th semester (senior year), including 7 in English, math, or science

• Submit final transcripts with proof of graduation

Division II Requirements

Students must:

• Complete 16 NCAA-approved core courses:

  • 3 years of English

  • 2 years of Math (Algebra I or higher)

  • 2 years of Natural/Physical Science (1 year of lab if offered)

  • 3 years of additional English, Math, or Science

  • 2 years of Social Science

  • 4 additional years from the above areas or other approved disciplines

• Earn at least a 2.2 GPA in core courses

• Submit final transcripts with proof of graduation

Division III Requirements

Division III schools set their own admission and eligibility standards. Students should:

• Contact the specific Division III school they plan to attend

• International student-athletes enrolling after August 1, 2023, must be certified as amateurs by the Eligibility Center

Helpful Links & Tools

• Search Your High School's NCAA-Approved Courses

• How Your Core GPA is Calculated

• Transcript Information

• NCAA Schools Member Directory

• Registration Checklist (PDF)

Tips for Staying on Track

• Check with your counselor each year to ensure you are on pace with NCAA core courses

• Monitor your GPA regularly

• Update your Eligibility Center account with accurate sports participation and academic progress

• Request final amateurism certification before enrolling

Need Help?

Contact the NCAA Eligibility Center:
Phone: 877-262-1492
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Eastern)

Or visit the NCAA on:

• Instagram: @playcollegesports

• YouTube: NCAAEC