Information for the College Bound Athlete
Academic Eligibility for Collegiate Athletics
Guidance for Woodridge Student-Athletes and Families
Competing in college athletics is an incredible opportunity — but it comes with important academic requirements. To stay on track, student-athletes must understand and meet the eligibility rules set by the NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA.
NCAA Eligibility
The NCAA Eligibility Center determines whether student-athletes are academically eligible to compete at Division I and II schools.
Core Requirements (Division I & II):
- Complete 16 core courses in high school, including:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of math (Algebra I or higher)
- 2 years of natural/physical science
- 1 additional year of English, math, or science
- 2 years of social science
- 4 years of additional core courses (foreign language, philosophy, etc.)
- Earn a minimum GPA in these core courses.
- Earn an SAT or ACT score that matches the sliding scale (test-optional policies may impact this; check NCAA updates).
- Graduate from high school.
👉 Learn more and create an account: NCAA Eligibility Center(Opens in a new window)
NAIA Eligibility
For NAIA schools, eligibility is determined by the NAIA Eligibility Center.
Requirements:
- Meet two out of three of the following:
- Minimum 2.0 GPA in high school.
- Achieve a qualifying SAT (860) or ACT (18) score.
- Graduate in the top half of your class.
👉 Learn more: NAIA Eligibility Center(Opens in a new window)
NJCAA Eligibility
For two-year colleges, the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) oversees eligibility.
Basic Requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate, have a GED, or have completed one semester/quarter of college.
- Academic progress and credit-hour requirements apply for continued eligibility.
👉 Learn more: NJCAA Eligibility(Opens in a new window)
Steps for Student-Athletes & Families
✅ Meet with your school counselor early — plan your course schedule to meet eligibility requirements.
✅ Register with the appropriate eligibility center by the end of your junior year (NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA).
✅ Keep track of your core GPA — only approved courses count toward NCAA/NAIA requirements.
✅ Stay in communication with coaches — both high school and prospective college coaches.
✅ Use official resources — requirements can change, so always check the most current information.
✅ Register with the appropriate eligibility center by the end of your junior year (NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA).
✅ Keep track of your core GPA — only approved courses count toward NCAA/NAIA requirements.
✅ Stay in communication with coaches — both high school and prospective college coaches.
✅ Use official resources — requirements can change, so always check the most current information.
Helpful Links
For more details, visit:
- NCAA Eligibility Center(Opens in a new window)
- NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete (PDF)(Opens in a new window)
- NAIA Eligibility Center(Opens in a new window)
- NJCAA Eligibility site(Opens in a new window)
Reminder: Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission to a college or placement on a team — but it keeps the door open for athletic opportunities.