top of page

Understanding the NAIA: A guide for high school athletes

  • jgannon34
  • Oct 19, 2023
  • 3 min read

Are you a high school athlete looking to play sports in college? Chances are, you've heard of the NCAA, but have you ever heard of the NAIA? The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is another option for college sports, and it's worth considering as you navigate the college recruitment process. In this blog post, we'll explain what the NAIA is, how it differs from the NCAA, and what benefits it can offer you as a student-athlete.


What is the NAIA?

The NAIA is a national organization that coordinates intercollegiate athletics for small colleges and universities. It encompasses 250 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada, and its mission is to promote character-driven athletics. The NAIA offers 27 championships in 13 sports, including basketball, soccer, golf, and softball.

The NAIA is usually a more affordable option for schools and student-athletes. Additionally, students enrolled in NAIA institutions typically have smaller student-to-teacher ratios, meaning a more personalized educational experience.


How does the NAIA differ from the NCAA?

While the NCAA is better known by many people, there are some important differences between the two organizations. The NCAA has three divisions, each with its own rules and regulations that govern college athletics. The NAIA, on the other hand, has only one set of rules and regulations that apply to all member institutions.

Another major difference is the eligibility requirements for student-athletes. The NCAA requires student-athletes to meet certain academic standards, including minimum SAT/ACT scores and high school GPAs. The NAIA has its own set of academic requirements, but they are generally more lenient than the NCAA's. Athletes competing in the NAIA must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0, and have to meet a certain number of credit hours as a full-time student.


What benefits can the NAIA offer student-athletes?

One of the benefits of playing in the NAIA is the potential to earn financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Like the NCAA, the NAIA awards athletic scholarships to help student-athletes pay for college. In some cases, NAIA schools can also offer more scholarship money to individual athletes than NCAA schools can.

Another potential benefit of playing in the NAIA is the opportunity to compete right away. NCAA schools often redshirt incoming freshman athletes, meaning they don't play in games their first year on campus. In the NAIA, however, athletes can see immediate playing time as freshmen, which can help them develop their skills and gain valuable experience on the field.


How do you become eligible to play in the NAIA?

If you're interested in playing sports at an NAIA school, there are a few steps you'll need to take. First, you'll need to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center. This process is similar to registering with the NCAA's Eligibility Center, and will require you to provide information about your academic and athletic background.

You'll also need to work with your high school guidance counselor to make sure you meet the NAIA's eligibility requirements. This includes meeting a certain number of core course requirements and maintaining a satisfactory GPA.

Once you've completed these steps, you can begin reaching out to NAIA coaches and schools to express your interest in playing for their team.


The NAIA may not be as well-known as the NCAA, but it offers many benefits to student-athletes, including potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities, competitive athletics, and a more personalized educational experience. As you navigate the college recruitment process, be sure to consider all of your options and choose the program that's the best fit for you academically and athletically. With hard work and dedication, you can succeed as a college athlete, no matter which organization you choose to represent.

 
 
 

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Get Started Here

Welcome visitors to your site with a short, engaging introduction. 

Double click to edit and add your own text.

Photo
Name
Job Title
Short Description
Email
Phone
Order
DeAndre Hopkins
$9,600,000
Tennessee Titans
DeAndre Hopkins is an exceptional wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans in the NFL. He is highly regarded for his skills on the field and has a significant following among fans. With five Pro Bowl appearances and a First-Team All-Pro recognition in 2017, Hopkins has proved himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league. His NIL marketing valuation of $9.6 million is a reflection of his outstanding performance, popularity among fans, and active presence on social media. Hopkins is not only productive on the field but also widely loved by fans. He has a significant and engaged following on social media platforms. Additionally, his positive image and dedication to helping the community make him an appealing choice for brands to partner with. As a player for the Tennessee Titans, Hopkins gains access to a large and passionate fan base, further enhancing his marketability. In summary, DeAndre Hopkins is a highly valuable asset for brands looking to collaborate on NIL marketing campaigns due to his exceptional talent, popularity, and association with a popular NFL team.
Wide Receiver
3
Quinn Ewers
$1,500,000
Texas Longhorns
Quinn Ewers is a talented quarterback who plays for the Texas Longhorns in college football. He is highly regarded and has a lot of potential. Ewers is loved by fans and has a big presence on social media. He is also known for his good character and giving back to the community. Playing for the popular Texas Longhorns adds to his value as a marketer. Because of these reasons, Ewers is able to demand a high fee for marketing campaigns. He has already signed lucrative deals with brands like 7-Eleven, HEYDUDE shoes, and C4 energy. As he continues to grow as a player and maintain his popularity, his value is expected to increase even more.
Quarterback
14
Freddie Freeman
$3,200,000
Los Angeles Dodgers
Freddie Freeman is a talented first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball. He has achieved many accolades, including being a five-time All-Star and winning the prestigious 2020 National League MVP award. Freeman's NIL marketing valuation of $3.2 million is justified by his exceptional on-field performance, popularity among fans, and active presence on social media. He is known for his impressive batting average, home runs, and RBIs, as well as his strong defensive skills, earning him two Gold Glove Awards. Freeman's humble nature, strong work ethic, and commitment to giving back to the community make him both likable and marketable to fans. Additionally, playing for the highly successful and beloved Los Angeles Dodgers contributes to his appeal to potential brand partners. These factors have allowed Freeman to secure lucrative deals with notable companies such as Nike, Gatorade, Under Armour, and Beats by Dre. As he continues to perform at his best and maintain a dedicated following, Freeman's NIL marketing valuation is expected to keep rising in the future.
1st Base
8
Livvy Dunne
$4,900,000
LSU Tigers
Livvy Dunne is a gymnast for the LSU Tigers, and she is worth a lot of money. Her NIL marketing valuation is $4.9 million, which is the highest for any female athlete in the world. She is valued so highly because of her success in gymnastics, her popular social media accounts with millions of followers, and her appeal to advertisers. She has signed endorsement deals with big brands, owns her own apparel line, and has been featured in national advertising campaigns. Not only is she a talented gymnast, but she is also a positive role model and a versatile athlete. She is known worldwide and has a large international following. Overall, Livvy Dunne is one of the most valuable athletes in the world because of her achievements, popularity, and marketability.
Gymnast
6
Page 1 of 6
bottom of page