{"id":3018,"date":"2017-09-12T10:06:54","date_gmt":"2017-09-12T10:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/?page_id=3018"},"modified":"2026-02-11T17:03:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T23:03:01","slug":"eligibility-requirements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/ncaa-eligibility-center\/eligibility-requirements","title":{"rendered":"NCAA Eligibility Requirements for Student-Athletes (Updated for 2025-26)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"\">Becoming eligible to compete in NCAA college sports requires meeting specific academic, amateurism, and participation standards as defined by the NCAA Eligibility Center and the NCAA Division I and II manuals. Understanding these rules, including how long you can compete, is critical for long-term athletic planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">NCAA eligibility rules vary by division (Division I, II, and III) and include GPA benchmarks, approved core courses, amateurism certification, and limits on seasons of competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Whether you&#8217;re asking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><em>How many years of NCAA eligibility do I have?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><em>What are the NCAA academic requirements?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><em>What are junior college eligibility requirements?<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This guide breaks down everything you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-multi-column-box multi-column-box open accordion\"><div class=\"box-title\"><h2>On This Page<\/h2><span class=\"ncsa-plus-minus\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"rows\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-multi-column-box-row row\"><a href=\"#what-is-ncaa-eligibility\">What is NCAA eligibility?<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-multi-column-box-row row\"><a href=\"#five-year-clock\">NCAA 5-year clock and seasons of competition<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-multi-column-box-row row\"><a href=\"#academic-requirements\">NCAA eligibility rules and academic requirements<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-multi-column-box-row row\"><a href=\"#ncaa-eligibility-requirements-by-division\">NCAA eligibility requirements by division<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-multi-column-box-row row\"><a href=\"#junior-college\">Junior college eligibility requirements<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-multi-column-box-row row\"><a href=\"#impact\">Redshirt, medical waiver &amp; transfer impact<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-multi-column-box-row row\"><a href=\"#academic-status\">Academic status and waivers explained<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-multi-column-box-row row\"><a href=\"#ncaa-5th-year-eligibility\">NCAA 5th year eligibility<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-multi-column-box-row row\"><a href=\"#ncaa-eligibility-faqs\">NCAA eligibility FAQs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-ncaa-eligibility\">What is NCAA Eligibility?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">NCAA eligibility refers to the academic and amateur standards student-athletes must meet to compete in college sports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }<\/style><div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HFbfpkRmAaM?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Academic readiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Amateur status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Transfer status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">International student eligibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Division 1 and 2 athletes must register with the Eligibility Center. Division 3 schools set their own certification process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understanding\">Understanding NCAA Years of Eligibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">One of the most common questions families ask is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong>How many years of NCAA eligibility do I have?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The short answer: Most student-athletes have <strong>four seasons of competition<\/strong>, used within a defined eligibility period that depends on division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">For Division I specifically, athletes must complete those four seasons within five calendar years from initial full-time enrollment. This is often referred to as the <strong>NCAA five-year clock<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"five-year-clock\">How the NCAA 5-Year Clock and Seasons of Competition Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Student-athletes typically have four seasons of competition in their sport and must use those seasons within a five-year eligibility clock that begins when they enroll full-time in college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">You get four seasons to compete.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The five-year clock starts when you first enroll full-time at any college.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The clock runs continuously, even if you redshirt, transfer, or don&#8217;t compete.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Division 2 uses a 10-semester (15-quarter) rule.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Division 3 does not have a five-year clock but limits participation to four seasons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><em>(See <a href=\"https:\/\/web3.ncaa.org\/lsdbi\/reports\/getReport\/90008\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NCAA Division I Manual<\/a>, Bylaw 12 &amp; 14<\/em>;<em> <a href=\"https:\/\/web3.ncaa.org\/lsdbi\/reports\/getReport\/90010\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NCAA Division II Manual<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/web3.ncaa.org\/lsdbi\/reports\/getReport\/90011\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Division III Manual<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"academic-requirements\">NCAA eligibility rules and academic requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Your academic eligibility is based on two factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Core Course Requirement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">You&#8217;ll need to pass 16 approved NCAA Core Courses during your high school years. Exact requirements vary slightly between D1 and D2 schools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">View our full breakdown of the <a href=\"\/ncaa-eligibility-center\/ncaa-core-courses\">NCAA core course requirements<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Core Course GPA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Your GPA will be calculated based on your performance in core courses, not your entire high school transcript. The NCAA provides a <a href=\"http:\/\/fs.ncaa.org\/Docs\/eligibility_center\/Student_Resources\/Core_Course_Worksheet_Instructions.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">core course worksheet<\/a> to help, but we recommend you meet with your high school counselor too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Here\u2019s more more information on <a href=\"\/ncaa-eligibility-center\/gpa-requirements\">how to determine your core course GPA<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-callout callout\">\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Did You Know?<\/strong> 75% of college student-athletes typically meet NCAA academic minimums. Just because you are a good student <strong>doesn\u2019t guarantee academic eligibility.<\/strong> Surprisingly, every year, student-athletes with 3.5+ GPAs and honors courses <strong>are declared academically ineligible due to not meeting one of the following NCAA eligibility requirements<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Standardized tests are currently not required for initial eligibility, though colleges may require them for admissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"beyond\">NCAA Eligibility Rules Beyond Academics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Academic benchmarks are only part of the equation. NCAA eligibility rules also regulate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"\/ncaa-eligibility-center\/amateurism-rules\">Amateur<\/a> status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Seasons of competition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Redshirt participation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Transfer impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Financial benefits and <a href=\"\/name-image-likeness\">NIL<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ncaa-eligibility-requirements-by-division\">NCAA Eligibility Requirements by Division<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Division<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Seasons of Competition<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Eligibility Period<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Minimum Core GPA<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Key Exceptions<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Division I<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4 seasons<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">5-year clock<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2.3<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Medical hardship waivers, limited redshirt participation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Division II<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4 seasons<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">10 semesters<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2.2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Partial qualifier category<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Division III<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4 seasons<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">No strict 5-year clock<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">School-based<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Institutional discretion<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Junior College (NJCAA)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2 years typical<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Institutional limits<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Diploma\/GED<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Transfer pathway to NCAA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"DI-requirements\">NCAA Division 1 eligibility requirements <a name=\"DI-requirements\" id=\"DI-requirements\"><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong>For high-school athletes enrolling in college full-time in 2025-26 and beyond:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Complete 16 core courses using pass\/fail grades:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">English: 4 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Math (Algebra 1 or higher): 3 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Natural\/Physical Science (Including 1 year of lab, if offered): 2 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Social Science: 2 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Additional Courses\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">English, Math or Science: 1 year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">English, Math, Sciences, Foreign Language, Comparative Religion or Philosophy: 4 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Core Course Progression:<\/strong> You must complete 10 core courses by the beginning of senior year, or seventh semester. Among these 10, seven must be in the subjects of English, math or natural\/physical science. This is known as the 10\/7 rule.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Earn a core course GPA of 2.3 or higher&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Graduate high school<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Receive final certification on your amateurism status<\/strong> via the <a href=\"https:\/\/web3.ncaa.org\/ecwr3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NCAA Eligibility Center<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-callout callout\">\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Insider Tip: <\/strong>Once you enter your senior year, the grades you&#8217;ve received in your core courses are \u201clocked in\u201d and cannot be changed. <strong>If you&#8217;re currently a <a href=\"\/blog\/parents-guide-junior-year-recruiting\">junior in high school<\/a>, it&#8217;s crucial to keep an eye on your core course count. <\/strong>You might need to take additional courses during the summer between your junior and senior years to meet this requirement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"DII-requirements\">NCAA Division 2 eligibility requirements <a id=\"DII-requirements\" name=\"DII-requirements\"><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">For high-school athletes enrolling in college full-time in 2025-2026 and beyond:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Complete 16 core courses using pass\/fail grades:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">English: 3 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Math (Algebra 1 or higher): 2 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Natural\/Physical Science (Including 1 year of lab, if offered): 2 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Social Science: 2 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Additional Courses\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">English, Math or Science: 3 year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">English, Math, Sciences, Foreign Language, Comparative Religion or Philosophy: 4 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Earn a core course GPA of 2.2 or higher&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Graduate high school<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Receive final certification on your amateurism status<\/strong> via the <a href=\"https:\/\/web3.ncaa.org\/ecwr3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NCAA Eligibility Center<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"DIII-requirements\">NCAA Division 3 eligibility requirements <a name=\"DIII-requirements\" id=\"DIII-requirements\"><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Division 3 schools are responsible for setting their own academic eligibility rules. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If you are going to be competing for a D3 institution, or if you are unsure what division level you\u2019ll be competing at, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/web3.ncaa.org\/ecwr3\/register\/PROFILE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">start with a free NCAA Profile<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If you do decide to pursue a D1 or D2 program, you can always transition to a Certification Account later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"junior-college\">Junior college eligibility requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"\/recruiting\/how-to-get-recruited\/college-divisions\/juco\">Junior college<\/a> eligibility requirements (NJCAA) typically include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">High school diploma or GED<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Institutional academic placement standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Amateur status compliance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Many athletes who do not immediately meet NCAA eligibility requirements begin in junior college to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Improve GPA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Complete transferable credits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Develop athletically<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Re-enter NCAA recruitment later<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">However, enrolling full-time at junior college may start your NCAA eligibility clock (Division 1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncsa-callout callout\">\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Insider Tip:<\/strong> Many athletes who aren\u2019t able to meet the NCAA or <a href=\"\/naia-eligibility-center\/requirements\">NAIA eligibility requirements<\/a> will gain eligibility by competing at a junior college for two years. Or, sometimes, athletes who are unsure of their major, will <a href=\"\/recruiting\/how-to-get-recruited\/college-divisions\/juco\">attend a junior college<\/a> while they decide what their four-year course of study will be.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong>READ MORE:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/blog\/does-juco-count-against-ncaa-eligibility\">Does JUCO count against NCAA eligibility?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"impact\">Redshirt Impact on NCAA Eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Redshirting preserves a season of competition but does not extend the five-year clock. Recent <a href=\"\/blog\/ncaa-redshirt-rules-lawsuit\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"185390\">legal challenges to NCAA redshirt rules<\/a> have also brought additional attention to how participation limits are enforced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Important notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">A <a href=\"\/what-is-a-redshirt-freshman\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"113855\">traditional redshirt<\/a> uses one year of your five-year clock.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">You still preserve one of your four seasons of competition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">In many Division I sports, athletes may compete in a limited number of games and still qualify for a redshirt (sport-specific rules apply; NCAA Bylaw 14).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Redshirting does <strong>not extend<\/strong> the five-year clock. It only preserves a season of competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"medical-hardship\">Medical Hardship Waivers (Medical Redshirts)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If an athlete suffers a season-ending injury early in the season, they may qualify for a <strong>medical hardship waiver<\/strong> (often called a medical redshirt).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">General requirements include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">The injury must occur in the first half of the season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The athlete must not exceed the NCAA participation threshold for that sport.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Medical documentation is required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The waiver must be approved by the conference or NCAA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If approved, the season does not count as one of the four seasons of competition. However, the five-year clock still runs unless additional relief is granted. (<a href=\"https:\/\/web3.ncaa.org\/lsdbi\/reports\/getReport\/90008\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NCAA Division I Manual<\/a>, Bylaw 14)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"transfer-impact\">Transfer Impact on Eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Transferring schools does <strong>not reset<\/strong> your eligibility clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Key points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Your five-year clock continues running after transfer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Your four seasons of competition remain tied to original enrollment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The <a href=\"\/recruiting\/ncaa-transfer-rules\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"114056\">NCAA Transfer Portal<\/a> facilitates movement but does not create extra seasons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Some transfers may qualify for immediate eligibility, depending on division and sport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ncaa-5th-year-eligibility\">NCAA 5th Year Eligibility: Is it Possible?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The topic of <strong>NCAA 5th year eligibility<\/strong> has gained attention due to recent athlete lawsuits and NCAA governance discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current Rule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Under standard NCAA Division I rules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Athletes have four seasons within five years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">A \u201cfifth year\u201d refers to using your eligibility across five academic years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">It does not automatically mean a fifth season of competition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pending NCAA Proposals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">As of recent NCAA legislative discussions (2024\u20132025 governance updates), proposals have been introduced to evaluate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Adjustments to the five-year clock model<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Potential flexibility in seasons-of-competition rules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Broader modernization of eligibility structures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong>No permanent rule has been adopted<\/strong> granting all athletes a universal fifth season beyond the existing framework.<strong> <\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncaa.org\/sports\/2013\/11\/20\/legislative-actions-and-issues.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NCAA Legislative Updates<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Student-athletes should monitor official NCAA legislative announcements for updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"academic-status\">What Your NCAA academic status means<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Your NCAA academic status determines whether you can practice, compete, and receive athletic aid during your first year of college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">After you graduate high school and complete the required 16 NCAA-approved core courses, the NCAA Eligibility Center will review your record, but only after a Division 1 or 2 college requests your certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">To receive a final decision, you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Graduate high school<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Meet minimum requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Request final amateurism certification (core GPA and course distribution)<a name=\"academic-definitions\" id=\"academic-definitions\"><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Once your file is reviewed, the NCAA assigns an official Academic Status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Below are the possible NCAA eligibility statuses and what they mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ncaa-academic-statuses\">NCAA Academic Statuses (Division I &amp; II)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Status<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Division<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Practice<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Compete<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Athletic Scholarship<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Final Qualifier<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">D1 &amp; D2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Early Academic Qualifier<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">D1 Only<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Academic Redshirt<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">D1 Only<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Final Partial Qualifier<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">D2 Only<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Final Nonqualifier<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">D1 &amp; D2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Under Review \/ In Process<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">D1 &amp; D2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Pending<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Pending<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Pending<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ncaa-waiver-statuses\">NCAA Waiver Statuses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Waiver Status<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Practice<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Compete<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Athletic Scholarship<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Automatic Waiver Approved<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Waiver Approved<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Depends on ruling<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Depends<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Depends<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Waiver Denied<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Waiver Partially Approved (Aid Only)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Waiver Partially Approved (Aid &amp; Practice)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u274c No<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts on NCAA Eligibility Requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Meeting NCAA eligibility requirements requires careful planning, academically and athletically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Understanding the following ensures you maximize every season of competition available to you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">NCAA academic requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">NCAA eligibility rules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The five-year clock<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Redshirt and waiver impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Junior college eligibility requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Early registration with the NCAA Eligibility Center and consistent academic monitoring are critical steps in protecting your eligibility and future scholarship opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ncaa-eligibility-faqs\">NCAA eligibility FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block accordion\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1695235091576\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How many years of eligibility do I have?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>NCAA eligibility rules allow student-athletes 5 years to compete athletically in 4 seasons.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770838698143\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How many years of eligibility NCAA Division 1 athletes receive?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Division I athletes receive four seasons of competition within the five-year clock.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770840915886\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I get a 5th year eligibility?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You may receive an additional season only in limited cases, such as: approved medical hardship waivers, prior COVID relief (if applicable), or NCAA-approved legislative relief. There is currently no automatic fifth season for all athletes.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770841093582\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does redshirting give me a fifth year?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. It preserves a season but does not extend the clock.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770840754772\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What happens if I don\u2019t meet NCAA academic requirements?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You may be classified as: an academic redshirt, partial qualifier (Division II), or nonqualifier. This may limit competition and scholarship eligibility in your first year.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1694201949330\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is the SAT\/ACT required for NCAA eligibility?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. In January 2023, the NCAA voted to remove test score requirements for initial eligibility for incoming college freshmen student-athletes following a recommendation from the NCAA Standardized Test Score Task Force.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1695235120549\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the NCAA 10\/7 rule?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The 10\/7 rule is a specific requirement for NCAA D1 eligibility. It means you must complete 10 of the required 16 core courses before your senior year of high school, or seventh semester. Seven of these 10 courses should be in subjects like English, Math or Natural\/Physical Science. This rule doesn&#8217;t apply to students with international academic credentials, including those from Canada.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Have more questions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">At NCSA, we understand how important NCAA eligibility is to your recruiting journey. Our experts and resources help you stay informed and on track.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">By using an NCSA profile, you can easily gather all your essential recruiting details in one place, and our NCAA eligibility center resources will help you stay on track each year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong><a data-lead-button-type=\"standard\" class=\"lead-link\">Create your free&nbsp;NCSA&nbsp;profile today<\/a>&nbsp;or schedule an assessment to speak with an expert<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-red-btn button--schedule-a-call\" data-lead-cta-location=\"Eligibility Center SAC\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" style=\"border-radius:50px\">Schedule an Assessment<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Becoming eligible to compete in NCAA college sports requires meeting specific academic, amateurism, and participation standards as defined by the NCAA Eligibility Center and the NCAA Division I and II manuals. Understanding these rules, including how long you can compete, is critical for long-term athletic planning. NCAA eligibility rules vary by division (Division I, II, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":97656,"parent":171726,"menu_order":911,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"sidebar-no-hero","meta":{"tracking_event":"21243","ncsa_post_menu":7205,"ncsa_post_menu_title":"NCAA Eligibility Center","ncsa_ch_large_screen_images":[],"ncsa_ch_large_screen_video_type":"","ncsa_ch_large_screen_video_url":"","ncsa_ch_inner_blocks":"","ncsa_ch_large_screen_video_url_webm":"","ncsa_ch_large_screen_video_id":0,"ncsa_ch_large_screen_video_id_webm":0,"ncsa_ch_small_screen_image":[],"ncsa_ch_use_optimal_image_sizes":false,"ncsa_breadcrumbs":[{"label":"NCAA Eligibility Center","postId":3016,"postType":"page"},{"label":"Eligibility Requirements","postId":null,"postType":null}],"ncsa_breadcrumbs_schema_only":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"content_category":[],"class_list":["post-3018","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3018","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3018"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3018\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/171726"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3018"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"content_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_category?post=3018"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}