College Athletics
What’s the difference between NCAA, NJCAA and NAIA?
Whether you’re scoring touchdowns or jumping hurdles, if you plan to compete in college you need to know the difference between the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA,) the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). One of the main differences between the NCAA and NJCAA is that the NJCAA schools are two year institutions such as community colleges where the tuition will be much less expensive. According to the NJCAA, during the 2019-2020 academic year, the average yearly price of tuition, fees, room and board for students was substantially less than the average yearly sticker price of a four-year institution. NAIA schools are typically religiously affiliated schools and are much like Division 2 schools academically.
Regardless of where you intend to compete you will need to take a rigorous course load throughout your high school career and perform well in the classroom not just on the field or in the pool. Beginning in your sophomore year you will want to inform your guidance counselor that you want to play a sport in college. Sophomore year is also when you will want to develop an athletic profile, produce a recruiting video (unless you swim or participate in track or cross country). This is also the time to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and determine your athletic potential for NCAA Division 1, 2, or 3 or the NAIA.
Should I play at a Division 3 or NAIA school?
There are many reasons to consider playing at an NAIA or Division 3 institution. First of all, you will have much more freedom to spend your time how you choose. This means more time to study and explore other interests. And, there is less pressure put on D3 or NAIA athletes which results in a more relaxed, happier student. Because you will compete against other schools in your region, you will spend less time traveling and more time chilling. What’s more is that there are NO recruiting restrictions. As a result, many of these institutions recruit online using websites such as be recruited. Unlike Division 3 schools, who also have small recruiting budgets, NAIA schools can provide athletic scholarships.
So how do I get recruited?
In order to get recruited you will need to put yourself in front of coaches by sending a cover letter email to college coaches at a realistic list of schools where you can play your sport. While you may get contacted on Twitter by a coach, it is important to reach out to coaches with emails that may also contain your video, then follow up with another email or phone call. It also helps to attend tournaments where college coaches can witness you in action.
Fast Facts
In order to compete at a Division 1 or Division 2 school you need to qualify by meeting academic standards of 16 core courses determined by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Division III athletes qualify to play by meeting academic standards set by individual institutions.
Divisions vary by size. The median undergraduate enrollment of Division 1 schools is 8,960; Division 2 is 2,428; and Division 3 is 1,740.
The size of a school does not determine the division at which that institution participates in sport.
By applying as an athlete you may discover opportunities that might not have been available to you without your athletic talent.
Want to Know More about College Athletics?
Contact me at Robin@HaasCollegeConnections.com
