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The NJCAA governs sports in junior colleges (community colleges) across the United States. They are two-year institutions that allow students to continue their academic and athletic development before transferring to a four-year university

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With around 500 institutions, the NJCAA provides a unique opportunity for student-athletes who want to:

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✔ Improve their academic and athletic performance before transferring to a university.

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✔ Obtain a scholarship and play at a competitive level.

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✔ Gain immediate playing time at a good level of competition.

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Junior colleges offer two-year programs, after which student-athletes can transfer to a NCAA D1, D2, or NAIA university to complete their degree.​​

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Level of Competition in NJCAA Soccer

 

The level of play in the NJCAA varies widely depending on the program. Some teams are highly competitive and can compete with NCAA D2 and NAIA teams, while others are more accessible.

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NJCAA Division I:

• Highest level, comparable to NCAA D2.

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• Well-structured programs with good facilities.

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• Athletic scholarships available.​

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NJCAA Division II:

• Good level of play, but no athletic scholarships (only academic and financial aid).

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NJCAA Division III:

• Lower level, no athletic scholarships available.

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In certain regions, the best NJCAA D1 teams can even compete against some NCAA D1 or D2 teams in friendly matches.

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​​​​Eligibility and Admission Requirements in the NAIA​

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NJCAA eligibility is less restrictive than NCAA eligibility, making it a good option for players who:

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✔ Do not meet the academic requirements of the NCAA.

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✔ Want to adapt to the American education system before transferring to a university.

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✔ Are looking for an immediate opportunity to play at a good level.

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​​Academic Requirements

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• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

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• SAT or ACT tests are NOT mandatory, unlike the NCAA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

​​​​​One of the biggest benefits of the NJCAA is that it serves as a stepping stone to the NCAA or NAIA and student-athletes can often earn bigger scholarships after proving themselves in NJCAA.