The NAIA is an association for smaller colleges and universities, yet it still provides a high level of competition:

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• NAIA schools can offer competitive athletic scholarships, sometimes more accessible than NCAA schools.

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• Fewer academic and eligibility restrictions compared to the NCAA.

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• Players often have the chance to play a bigger role on their teams from their freshman year.

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Level of Competition in NAIA Soccer

 

NAIA soccer is highly competitive and, in some cases, can match NCAA D2 and even some NCAA D1 programs. Many NAIA schools actively recruit international players and have high-level facilities.

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Some NAIA schools are nationally recognized for their soccer programs and consistently rank among the best in the country.

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The level of play varies, but top NAIA teams can beat NCAA D2 teams and even NCAA D1 teams in friendly matches.

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Eligibility and Admission Requirements in the NAIA

 

NAIA eligibility requirements are more flexible than those of the NCAA. The NAIA Eligibility Center determines a student-athlete’s qualification based on three criteria.

 

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Academic Requirements

 

To be eligible for the NAIA, a student must meet at least two of the following three requirements:

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• Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher

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• Achieve a minimum SAT or ACT score.

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The NAIA provides athletic scholarships, which in some cases can be just as generous as those in the NCAA.