NCAA or NAIA? That may not be the right question! If you want to study and play sport in the USA, you should look carefully at every offer that comes your way.
NCAA or NAIA?
There is no doubt that college sports, and the NCAA in particular, are hugely popular in the United States. American kids grow up playing sports and dreaming of playing for a big-name school one day, maybe even on ESPN. Most of them will never play for those famous programs, let alone on TV, and many will never reach the NCAA at all.
Thousands of student-athletes have the talent to play college sports at a US school, but many of them don't know about the other governing body of college sports: the NAIA. The NAIA is an organization similar to the NCAA, with different member schools. Like the NCAA and every other division, it can also be a stepping stone to professional sport.
What is the NAIA?
The NAIA governs college sports for a few hundred colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. It is proud of its commitment to student-athletes and aims to give them the best possible college experience, in the classroom and in their sport. Like the NCAA, the NAIA has its own eligibility center, which decides whether an athlete can compete based on their academic record and sports background.
Because the NAIA is less famous than the NCAA, many student-athletes have never even heard of it. Yet it has a long record of success and offers real opportunities. The level of competition is high, often compared to NCAA Division II. The NAIA also has different academic requirements, which are generally less restrictive, so it can be easier to become eligible. And the opportunities don't stop at college: many former NAIA athletes have gone on to play their sport professionally.
One last point: the NAIA does offer athletic scholarships, in many sports (track and field, baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, wrestling, swimming, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball).
Athletics Partner's take
Even if you have always dreamed of an NCAA scholarship at your favorite school, it is important to look at all your options, and above all at which school offers you the best fit. Be realistic about your talent and your level, and be clear about what you expect from your college years.
For many student-athletes, the NAIA is exactly the college experience they are looking for. It has a strong record of developing student-athletes, even though not all of them turn professional. Its focus on academic success and personal development is a winning combination for any student-athlete.
To compare the divisions (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA), see our page on the divisions.
