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NCAA Eligibility Center Hero

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 register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework. International college-bound student-athletes planning to enroll at a Division III school must also receive an amateurism-only certification from the Eligibility Center.

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

Play Division I Sports

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

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

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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Know Before You Go

Learn more about choosing the right school with these resources:

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.

TAKING ACTION: Name, Image, Likeness

In the Association’s continuing efforts to support college athletes, the NCAA Board of Governors voted unanimously to permit students participating in athletics the opportunity to benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness in a manner consistent with the collegiate model.

Learn more about how the NCAA is taking action