NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a nonprofit association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. It is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In August 1973, the current three-division setup of Division I, Division II, and Division III was adopted by the NCAA membership in a special convention. Under NCAA rules, Division I and Division II schools can offer scholarships to athletes for playing a sport. Division III schools may not offer any athletic scholarships. Generally, larger schools compete in Division I and smaller schools in II and III.
Source: wikipedia.org
Over 450,000 NCAA student-athletes participate in college athletics each year.
Source: NCAA.org/Becoming Eligible/ Division I Toolkit
NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. Since 1937, the NAIA has administered programs and championships in proper balance with the overall college educational experience.
The NAIA was the first collegiate athletics association to invite historically black institutions into membership and the first to sponsor both men’s and women’s national championships.
Recruiting at NAIA Institutions is less restrictive and easier to navigate. To learn all about NAIA Recruiting, download NAIA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
Most recently, the association opened the doors to the NAIA Eligibility Center, where prospective student-athletes are evaluated for academic and athletic eligibility. It delivers on the NAIA’s promise of integrity by leveling the playing field, guiding student-athlete success, and ensuring fair competition.
Source: NAIA.org
Facts on the NAIA
- 60,000 student-athletes
- 13 sports and 23 national championships
- Close to 300 colleges and universities and conferences
- $450 million in athletic scholarships
NJCAA
The NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) is a great way for student-athletes to improve their academic resume, participate in athletics, develop their athletic abilities for a 4 year school and in some cases, have a more affordable option than a 4 year school.
Student-athletes should have a junior college (JC) list of schools that they are considering when deciding their college future. Junior colleges and community colleges make up the NJCAA. Member institutions of the NJCAA can participate in either Division I, Division II or Division III. See the NJCAA Homepage for a full list of member sports and divisions offered.
NJCAA Prospective Student Brochure