The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), based in Kansas City, Missouri, oversees small college athletic programs that prioritize character-driven competition. Established in 1937, the NAIA has been committed to balancing athletic excellence with a well-rounded college education. Annually, over 83,000 student-athletes in the NAIA are given the chance to compete in college spo​rts, access more than $1.3 billion in scholarships, and vie for titles in 29 national championships.

NAIA Athletic Scholarships

Each year, NAIA institutions collectively award over $1.3 billion in athletic scholarships to student-athletes. These scholarships are distributed across various sports, with each sport having a set maximum number of scholarships that can be allocated to recruits.

NAIA athletic scholarships operate on an equivalency basis, allowing coaches to divide their scholarship funds among multiple athletes, rather than awarding full scholarships to a few individuals.

It’s important to note that NAIA scholarships are typically offered on an annual basis and are subject to renewal based on the coach's or school’s discretion. Renewal is not automatic, so athletes must continue to meet performance and academic standards to maintain their scholarships.

How to Determine Your NAIA Eligibility

The NAIA Eligibility Center ensures that student-athletes meet the academic standards required to compete at NAIA member schools. To begin the eligibility process, athletes must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center by creating an online profile and submitting the necessary documentation to demonstrate their eligibility.

Most student-athletes start this process during their high school years, often as early as freshman year. High-achieving students can receive their official eligibility decision as soon as after their junior year, provided they meet the academic criteria.

It's important to understand that the NAIA Eligibility Center's role is to verify that recruits fulfill the academic requirements. However, the responsibility for understanding and meeting these requirements ultimately falls on the student-athlete. Working closely with high school guidance counselors and administrators is crucial to staying on track academically.

At EVA, our expert team is dedicated to guiding athletes through the entire eligibility process. We are committed to providing personalized support to ensure that every student-athlete meets the necessary academic standards and is fully prepared to compete at the collegiate level. With our assistance, you can navigate the eligibility requirements with confidence and focus on achieving your athletic goals.