High School Athlete
NCAA Eligibility Guide
Everything you need to know about NCAA academic eligibility requirements — core courses, GPA, test scores, and amateurism.
Why Eligibility Matters
Before you can compete at an NCAA school, you must be certified as academically and athletically eligible by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Failing to meet eligibility requirements can prevent you from competing as a freshman — or at all. Start early and stay on track.
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
Create an account at the NCAA Eligibility Center website during your junior year of high school. Submit your academic records, test scores, and amateurism information. The Eligibility Center certifies whether you meet Division I or Division II academic standards.
Core Course Requirements
Division I requires 16 core courses in English, math, natural science, social science, and foreign language or comparative religion. Division II requires 16 core courses with a slightly different distribution. Core courses must be approved by the NCAA — check the list of approved courses at your high school on the Eligibility Center website.
GPA and Test Score Requirements (Division I)
Division I uses a sliding scale that balances GPA and SAT/ACT scores. A higher GPA allows for a lower test score and vice versa. The minimum core GPA is 2.3 for Division I (with corresponding test scores). Athletes with a GPA below 2.0 in core courses are not eligible regardless of test scores.
GPA and Test Score Requirements (Division II)
Division II requires a minimum 2.2 GPA in 16 core courses and a combined SAT score of 840 or ACT sum score of 70. Division II does not use a sliding scale — both the GPA and test score minimums must be met independently.
Amateurism Requirements
To compete at an NCAA school, you must be an amateur athlete — meaning you have not played for pay, signed a professional contract, or received impermissible benefits based on athletic ability. NIL activities (endorsements, social media) are now permitted and do not affect amateurism status.
Final Steps
Request that your high school counselor send your official transcript to the Eligibility Center. Request that the testing company send your SAT or ACT scores directly. Check your Eligibility Center account regularly to ensure everything is complete and accurate before you sign your NLI.