Academic Requirements

Divison I

  • Complete 16 core courses.
    10/16 core courses must be completed before the 7th semesters (Sr yr) of HS
    7/10 core courses must be English, math, or natural/physical science.
  • Earn a core course GPA of at least 2.3
  • Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching the core course GPA on the division I sliding scale (please see SAT/ACT test score)
  • Graduate high school.

Divison II

  • Complete 16 core courses.
  • Earn a core course GPA of at least 2.2.
  • Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching the core course GPA on the division II sliding scale (please see SAT/ACT test score)
  • Graduate high school.

16 Core Courses

NCAA requires college bound student-athletes while in high school to meet the academic standards for NCAA approved core courses. Without these requirements, you will not be able to practice, compete, and receive an athletic scholarship in your first full-time year at Division I or II university teams. Not all high school classes count as NCAA core courses and graduating high school do not automatically qualify you with all the 16 core courses.

Divison I

  • 4 years – English
  • 3 years – Math
  • 2 years – Natural/Physical Science
  • 1 years – Additional course of Eng, Mat, Sci.
  • 2 years – Social Science
  • 4 years – Additional course of listed courses above, foreign language, or comparative religion/philosophy.

Divison II

  • 3 years – English
  • 2 years – Math
  • 2 years – Natural/Physical Science (including 1 year of lab if offered)
  • 3 years – Additional course of Eng, Mat, Sci
  • 2 years – Social Science
  • 4 years – Additional course of listed courses above, foreign language, or comparative religion/philosophy

Core GPA

You must earn a certain GPA for the NCAA academic requirement.
Your core GPA is calculated using only the NCAA approved core courses.
The highest grades will only be used.
Division I – requires a minimum of a 2.3 core GPA
Division II – requires a minimum of a 2.2 core GPA

SAT/ACT Testing or TOEFL

NCAA requires you to earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching the core course GPA on the division I sliding scale. There is no limit on how many times you can take the SAT or ACT. Your highest score will be used. When you register for the SAT or ACT, use code 9999. This will send your scores directly from the testing agency to the NCAA Eligibility Center. For students who are initially enroll full-time in an NCAA school during 2021-2022 academic year, ACT/SAT test scores are excluded from NCAA initial eligibility criteria.