NCSA makes the recruiting process so much easier.” – Colton P, Class of 2025
NAIA Schools
You may be familiar with the phrase, “D1 or bust,” but when it comes to pursuing your athletic dreams in college, there are more divisions than just the NCAA. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) offers a great alternative for student-athletes, with a wide variety of schools, sports programs, and a supportive community. In fact, NAIA schools are known to be highly competitive and give out scholarship dollars.
Interested in attending a NAIA school? View the list of naia schools below to start your search for the best fit.
The NAIA has a significant scholarship fund of $1.3 billion to help student-athletes at its institutions. These scholarships follow an equivalency model, allowing coaches to distribute funds among multiple athletes. They cover crucial expenses like tuition, fees, books, supplies and even room and board.
Each sport has its own scholarship limit for recruiting, and the renewal of NAIA scholarships depends on annual evaluations carried out by coaches and schools.
How many scholarships can NAIA schools offer?
The max number of scholarships an NAIA school can offer ranges between 5-24 depending on the specific sport. For example, in football, each team can offer 24 scholarships, while in basketball, teams can provide 8 scholarships. Keep in mind that not all schools are fully funded, meaning not all sports programs can guarantee the maximum number of scholarships.
NAIA college recruiting and eligibility rules
Unlike the NCAA, the NAIA does not have specific recruiting calendar restrictions. Meaning, coaches and student-athletes can communicate directly throughout the year.
Regarding eligibility, the NAIA places importance on academic performance and completion of necessary coursework. While the NAIA doesn’t have specific core course requirements, student-athletes must still meet certain academic benchmarks. It’s essential for student-athletes to familiarize themselves with the specific recruiting and eligibility rules set by the NAIA to ensure they meet the necessary criteria to participate in NAIA sports.
NCSA’s power rankings offer comprehensive information on NAIA sports programs, academics and financial aspects, helping you compare NAIA schools and make an informed decision.
NAIA schools are colleges and universities that are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. They offer athletic programs and scholarships for student-athletes, focusing on a well-rounded educational experience.
How many NAIA schools are there?
There are 237 NAIA schools across the country.
How many divisions are in NAIA?
The NAIA currently operates with a single division for all sports. While in the past there were separate divisions for men’s and women’s basketball, this changed in the 2020-2021 academic year. There is no longer an NAIA Division I or Division II.
What is the difference between NAIA and NCAA?
The NCAA and NAIA are separate governing bodies for collegiate athletics, each with their own rules and eligibility criteria. When deciding between NCAA and NAIA participation, it’s crucial to consider your personal goals and each difference between the two. Learn more.
What are the transfer rules for NAIA?
To be eligible for the NAIA as a transfer student, certain requirements must be met, such as completing a minimum of 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours of institutional credit in the last two semesters or three quarters before transferring. Learn more about NAIA transfer rules.
