In the NCCAA, a student-athlete can compete in four "seasons of competition" within the first ten semesters of college. A student-athlete must earn a minimum
number of institutional credit hours before participating in each additional season of competition to ensure progress. A season of competition is when an athlete participates in one or more intercollegiate contests, whether at the varsity, junior varsity, or freshman level. Student-athlete must be enrolled in at least 12 hours every semester and be making standard progress toward a baccalaureate degree to play in any competition. In addition, they must meet freshman and/or continuing eligibility rules.
Freshman Eligibility - Must hit two of the three requirements.
- Achieve a minimum of 18 on the ACT OR 950 on the SAT.
- Must pass the standardized test prior to the term in which the student-athlete wants to participate in.
- Achieve a minimum overall high school grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be in the top half of your graduating high school class.
- If a student's class rank does not appear on the transcript, a signed letter from the principal or headmaster, written on the school's letterhead and with the school's official seal, stating the student's final class rank position or percent may be submitted.
The progress rule does not apply to a student-athlete's first season in a sport. However, first-year students must complete nine hours to compete during the second semester of their freshman year.
Continued Eligibility - Must have accumulated a minimum of 24 credit hours during the last two semesters of full-time enrollment to be eligible. In addition, once a student-athlete has hit junior status, they are required to have a 2.0 GPA or above.
| Seasons |
Semester Hours Earned (Minimum Requirement) |
| Second Season |
24 |
| Third Season (2.0+ GPA Required) |
48 |
| Fourth Season (2.0+ GPA Required) |
72 (with 48 gen ed./major credits) |
Transfer Student Eligibility - Transfer students from two and four-year institutions must have an official release or tracer from the transferring institution before certification. Transfer eligibility rules are detailed. Transfer student-athletes should contact our Associate Director of Athletics on an individual case basis.
Graduate Student Eligibility - Enrolled as a full-time graduate student as per criteria set by the institution.
