Student-athletes interested in eventually participating in collegiate athletic team competition, especially at a Division I and Division II college, must meet the requirements established through the NCAA Eligibility Center. Along with posting minimum score requirements in either the SAT I or the ACT college entrance exam, a student-athlete will need to carry a minimum core course grade point average (Core Course GPA) upon graduation from Hempfield High School of at least a 2.3 for Division I and Division II. This Core Course GPA is calculated by the NCAA Eligibility Center office by using the best course grades from NCAA established core course requirements from the list of Approved Core Courses. Eleven (11) of the sixteen (16) required courses need to be completed prior to the beginning of the 7th semester.

Sixteen (16) specified core course credits must be completed for those student-athletes interested in Division I or Division II. As the following year’s program of study is selected, potential collegiate student-athletes should be aware of the NCAA academic eligibility requirements which pertain specifically to Division I and Division II athletic participation. Division III colleges are not held to the academic guidelines of the NCAA Eligibility Center. Online coursework meets NCAA non-traditional core-course legislation.

NCAA Resources & Informational Contacts

Similar in some respects to the NCAA eligibility registration requirement, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) requires all high school student-athletes interested in participating in intercollegiate athletics at a NAIA member college or university to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center. To play NAIA sports, every student-athlete must be registered with the NAIA Eligibility Center. A one-time registration fee is assessed.

The NAIA is home to nearly 300 member institutions, mostly smaller colleges/universities that resemble some of NCAA Division III institutions.

Eligibility Qualifications for NAIA Intercollegiate Sports Competition

Initial eligibility for incoming college freshmen is simple. The NAIA does not have any core course requirements and can be determined as early as the summer following your junior year. The NAIA Eligibility Center will determine your eligibility based on your high school grades and sometimes your SAT/ACT scores, class rank, and/or dual credit. Rules can differ if you are a GED, home school student, or took time off between high school and the NAIA. Register at PlayNAIA.org to access details in your resources menu.

NAIA Resources & Informational Contacts