If you want to compete at an NCAA Division I school, you must register with the Eligibility Center meet initial eligibility standards set by NCAA members.

• Learn more about how to plan out your high school years and meet NCAA initial-eligibility requirements.

If you need assistance, contact the Eligibility Center’s customer service team at 877-262-1492, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. International students (including Quebec) should use the International Contact Form to submit questions.

Division I Academic Standards

To be eligible to practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship in your first year of full-time enrollment, you must meet the following requirements:

• Earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in the following areas:
  • Four years of English.
  • Three years of math (Algebra 1 or higher).
  • Two years of science (including one year of lab, if offered).
  • One extra year of English, math or science.
  • Two years of social science.
  • Four additional years of English, math, science, social science, world language, comparative religion or philosophy.
• Complete your 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in eight semesters from your initial start of ninth grade. If you graduate from high school early, you still must meet core-course requirements.
• If you want to compete at a Division I school, you must complete 10 NCAA-approved core courses before the start of your senior year. Seven of those courses must be in English, math or science. Once senior year begins, those 10 courses cannot be replaced to improve your core-course GPA. Note: Students with solely international academic credentials (including Canada) are not required to meet the 10/7 requirement.
• Earn a minimum 2.3 core-course GPA.
• Ask your high school counselor to upload your final official transcript with proof of graduation to your Eligibility Center account.
• Receive academic and athletics certifications from the Eligibility Center.
  • For questions about name, image and likeness, click here.
  • Learn more about athletics eligibility.

What If I Don’t Meet Division I Standards?

If you have not met all the Division I academic standards, you may not compete in your first year of full-time enrollment at a Division I school. However, if you qualify as an academic redshirt, you may practice during your first regular academic term and receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of full-time enrollment.

If you are concerned you may not meet the Division I academic requirements, consider taking the following actions:

• Get tutoring or other study help.
• Ask for advice from your high school counselor. 
• Check in with the compliance office at the NCAA school you plan to attend.
• Follow your high school’s policies. The best thing to do is work within the rules.
• Avoid quick fixes through credit recovery programs. These courses may not be accepted by the NCAA.
• Keep your coursework. If the Eligibility Center needs to review your record due to irregularities, you may be asked to provide your coursework.
• Graduate on time. Division I schools allow college-bound student-athletes who graduate on-time to take one core course during the year after they graduate high school.