NCAA Eligibility

What are the Academic Eligibility Requirements for the NCAA?

To play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution, the student must:

  • Complete a certain number of high school core courses (each high school has different core classes).
  • Earn a certain minimum grade point average in these core courses.
  • Earn a certain minimum score on the SAT or ACT
  • Graduate from high school.

Staying On Track

NCAA Guidelines (Division I) 

Based on a 4.0 scale, student-athletes must earn a 1.8 GPA after 24 semester or 36 quarter hours, a 1.9 GPA after 48 semester or 72 quarter hours and a 2.0 GPA after both 72 semester or 108 quarter hours and 96 semester or 144 quarter hours.

40 percent of required coursework for a degree must be complete by the end of the second year, 60 percent by the end of the third year and 80 percent by the end of their fourth year.

Student-athletes are allowed five years of eligibility and athletically related financial aid.

All Division I student-athletes must earn at least six credit hours each term to be eligible for the following term and must meet minimum grade-point average requirements related to the school’s GPA standards for graduation.