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What Division II Students Need to Know
Division II schools require students to meet academic and athletics eligibility standards. The NCAA Eligibility Center reviews academic records and athletics-related activities to determine whether students may practice, compete and receive athletics aid during their first year of full-time enrollment.
To start the process, Division II-bound students should create an Academic and Athletics Certification account and work with their high school counselor to make sure they are taking NCAA-approved core courses.
Division II Requirements at a Glance
Create an Academic and Athletics Certification account.
Earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in required subject areas.
The Eligibility Center must complete your Academic and Athletics Certification.
Your NCAA core-course GPA is calculated using only NCAA-approved core courses.
Ask your high school counselor to upload your final official transcript with proof of graduation.
Plan your Core Courses Early
Division II academic eligibility is based on the NCAA-approved core courses you complete, your core-course GPA and whether your final official transcript with proof of graduation is submitted. Not every high school class counts as an NCAA core course, so students should review their school’s NCAA-approved course list and work with their counselor before finalizing their schedule.
The 16 core-course requirement is one of the most important parts of Division II eligibility. Use the chart below to understand how those courses must be distributed across subject areas.
Use this worksheet and review the chart below for information about the Division I core course distribution requirements.
Division II 16 Core-Course Requirements
3 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
4 years
Division II Reminders
Make sure courses you have taken or plan to take are on your high school’s NCAA-approved core-course list.
Your counselor can help confirm course planning, transcripts and proof of graduation.
Update your education history, sports participation information and enrollment date.
Tasks tell you what information may still be needed.
The compliance office at the Division II school recruiting you can help explain school-specific next steps.
Staying Eligible in Division II
Initial eligibility helps you begin your college athletics journey. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll need to continue to meet Division II academic requirements to remain eligible throughout your college career.
Learn more about:
- Progress toward degree requirements
- Credit hour requirements
- Grade point average requirements
Now that you understand the eligibility requirements, you’re ready for the next step. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and begin your path toward competing at an NCAA school.
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 |