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What Division III Students Need to Know

All incoming Division III student-athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to obtain their NCAA ID number. Domestic students should create a Profile page if they do not already have an account. International students will need their athletics eligibility certified by the Eligibility Center and should create an Athletics Certification account.

To determine whether you may be considered an international student, click here.

Division III at a Glance

Academics Come First

Division III emphasizes academic success and a well-rounded college experience.

Competitive Athletics

Student-athletes compete in a strong athletics environment while maintaining balance with academics and campus life.

No Athletics Scholarships

Division III schools do not offer athletics scholarships.

Financial Aid is Available

Many Division III student-athletes receive merit-based or need-based financial aid.

A Different Kind of College Athletics Experience

Division III athletics provides a well-rounded college experience built around rigorous academics, competitive athletics and opportunities to participate in campus life beyond sports.

Division III student-athletes are generally held to the same admissions standards, academic standards, housing policies and support services as the general student body. This helps integrate athletics into the overall campus experience and allows student-athletes to grow as students, athletes and members of their campus communities.

International Division III student-athletes must register

If you are an international student-athlete planning to compete at a Division III school, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center for athletics certification before you compete.

Common Division III Questions

Division III Reminders

Contact Your School Directly

Division III schools set their own admissions and academic standards.

Ask About Financial Aid

Division III schools do not offer athletics scholarships, but merit-based and need-based aid may be available.

Register with the Eligibility Center

All incoming Division III student-athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to obtain their NCAA ID number.

Explore Campus Life

Division III encourages student-athletes to take advantage of opportunities beyond athletics.

Know Your Next Steps

Talk with coaches, admissions staff and financial aid staff at the Division III schools you are considering.

Staying Eligible at a Division III School

Because we believe success in the classroom is just as important as winning on the field, we have standards to ensure student-athletes make progress toward a degree – every year and every season. They need to meet these standards to be eligible to play. Our members have set separate standards that reflect the philosophies and goals of each division.

Student-athletes need to meet these standards in order to remain eligibile for athletics participation.

Academic Standing and Progress Toward Degree

Division III student-athletes must remain in good academic standing and make satisfactory progress toward a degree based on the academic standards established by their institution.

Full-Time Enrollment Requirements

Division III student-athletes must be enrolled in at least 12 semester or quarter hours to compete, regardless of how their school defines full-time enrollment.

Still Need Help?

Contact the Eligibility Center Customer Service team

Domestic and Canadian students (except Quebec) 877-262-1492
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET – Mon. through Fri.
International and Quebec students International Contact Form
High School Counselors (PIN required) 877-622-2321
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET – Mon. through Fri.
NCAA Compliance Administrators Membership Portal