Collegiate Athletics
Preparing Student-Athletes for the Next Level
Preparing for College Athletics
For those who aspire to continue their athletic journey in college, the foundation built through our programs provides the character and commitment needed to thrive at the next level.
Whether you’re interested in playing at a NCAA or NAIA school, this page provides information and resources to help you understand the process and take the right steps toward collegiate athletics.
College Athletic Associations
NCAA
– National Collegiate Athletic Association
The NCAA is the largest governing body for college athletics in the United States, overseeing nearly half a million student-athletes across more than 1,000 colleges and universities dedicated to academic and athletic excellence.
Focus: NCAA programs emphasize balancing academic achievement and athletic excellence, ensuring that students develop as both scholars and athletes.
Divisions: The NCAA is divided into three divisions, each offering different levels of competition, scholarships, and athletic commitment.
- Division I is the largest and most competitive level in the NCAA. Colleges in this division are required to offer athletic scholarships, many of which cover full tuition for student-athletes.
- Division II programs are smaller and somewhat less competitive than Division I. While most athletes don’t receive full scholarships, many are awarded partial scholarships or other forms of financial aid.
- Division III programs are the least competitive of the three divisions. These colleges do not provide athletic scholarships, but they still actively recruit athletes—an advantage that can improve your chances of admission if a school values your athletic skills.
Mission: The NCAA promotes student-athlete well-being through a commitment to fairness, education, and lifelong development.
More Information: www.ncaa.org | NCAA Eligibility Center
NAIA
– National Association of Collegiate Athletics
The NAIA provides student-athletes with opportunities to compete in a values-based environment that prioritizes character, academics and leadership. With more than 250 member colleges and universities, NAIA schools often offer smaller class sizes and close-knit campus communities.
Focus: NAIA programs place strong emphasis on character-driven athletics through the Champions of Character initiative.
Divisions: The NAIA operates as a single division, fostering competition and emphasizing character-driven athletics.
Mission: The NAIA centers its mission on building leaders of character, guided by the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
More Information: www.naia.org | PlayNAIA.org
Eligibility Requirements
To compete at the collegiate level, student-athletes must meet specific academic and athletic standards. For a complete list of eligibility requirements and details, visit each organization’s official website.
NCAA Eligibility: Students must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and complete required core courses, maintain GPA standards, and meet amateurism guidelines.
NAIA Eligibility: Students must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center. Requirements include GPA, standardized test, and character/leadership standards that reflect the NAIA's values-driven approach.
Collegiate Athletics: Steps to Prepare
Preparing for collegiate athletics is about more than athletics skill, it's about building a strong foundation in academics character, and leadership. At ALA, we encourage our student-athletes to plan ahead and live out our R.A.I.S.E. values, both in the classroom and in competitions. Below are key steps students and families can take throughout high school to stay on track for college athletic opportunities.
Helpful Links & Resources
Have questions? Ask your Advisor!
From academic support and course planning to navigating resources and connecting with the right people, we are here to assist you! For quick assistance, check out our FAQ section for commonly asked questions. To explore becoming a student, visit our Enrollment page. For additional questions about courses and testing, contact your student services academic advisor. Find your school’s student services team below to connect with your academic advisor.
Find Your Student Services Team
Need help with Enrollment? Questions about registering for school? Contact our Enrollment Specialist:
districtregistrar@alaschools.org