Want to Play College Sports?

Want to Play College Sports?

The advantages of competing in college sports are both immediate and lifelong. Participating in college sports provides opportunities to learn, compete and succeed. Student-athletes receive top-notch academic support, quality medical care and regular access to outstanding coaching, facilities and equipment. Student-athletes as a group graduate at higher rates than their peers in the general student body and feel better prepared for life after college.

College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or II school need to have their academic and athletics eligibility certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center. International college-bound student-athletes planning to enroll at a Division III school must receive an amateurism certification from the Eligibility Center (Division III schools set their own academic standards on campus).

Your Journey to Becoming a Student-Athlete Starts Here

Looking to become a NCAA student-athlete?

The Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete is your go-to resource. This comprehensive guide walks you through NCAA eligibility steps, timelines and must-know academic benchmarks ensure to empower student-athletes, families and counselors to navigate the path from high school to collegiate competition with confidence.

Download the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete

Are you ready to play college sports? Download these resources to find out.

Playing sports for an NCAA school is not your only option. Check out the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) or the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for other opportunities.

Are you an athlete with a disability and interested in Paralympic sport? Explore Team USA opportunities and connect with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Learn more about college adaptive sport opportunities.

Student-Athlete Registration

FAQ Search

Have a question? Click here to search our frequently asked questions.

Play Division I Sports

Division I schools, on average, enroll the most students, manage the largest athletics budgets, offer a wide array of academic programs and provide the most athletics scholarships. Click here for information on time demands for Division I student-athletes.

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Play Division II Sports

Division II schools provide growth opportunities through academic achievement, high-level competition and a focus on community engagement. Click here for information on time demands for Division II student-athletes.

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Play Division III Sports

Division III schools provide an integrated environment focusing on academic success while offering a competitive athletics environment. Click here for information on time demands for Division III student-athletes.

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Student-Athlete Pages

Eligibility Standards

Eligibility Toolkit

Name, Image, Likeness

Student-athletes have the opportunity to receive compensation from third parties using their personal brand, often referred to as their name, image and likeness. The NCAA fully supports these opportunities for student-athletes across all three divisions.

Learn more about NIL.