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What Is The Difference Between NCAA, NJCAA, and NAIA College Associations?

The leading organizations in college sports are the NCAA, NAIA, and the NJCAA. Here we will go over the differences between these organizations and know which is the one for you.


National College Athletics Association (NCAA)






The National College Athlete Association (NCAA) is the most recognized and prestigious collegiate sports organization in the United States.


There are three divisions of the NCAA:


  • NCAA Div I and II are typically large public universities

  • NCAA Div III is typically small private colleges


The NCAA Division I is a very competitive league. Due to this, many athletes may start at lower divisions then move up to D1 after a season or two.



 


National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA)





The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is primarily composed of smaller private colleges. As a result, there are fewer restrictions on foreign athletes in the NAIA, and the athletic and academic requirements aren't as rigorous as those in the NCAA. This makes the NAIA an appealing option for international students seeking financial assistance as it is comparable to NCAA D2.



 


National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)





The National Junior College Athletic Association is the smallest of the college associations. It's made up of two-year community colleges throughout the United States. Community colleges are generally small and have few (or no) academic requirements for admission, though their disciplines tend to be more extensive.


The NJCAA is a viable alternative for students who the NCAA or NAIA rejected due to academics. They may attend a two-year community college and improve their grades before attempting an NCAA or NAIA scholarship.



Have any questions?


With thousands of opportunities in the USA to continue a career in sports our platform makes it easier for athletes, coaches, and teams to streamline the recruiting process. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you please do not hesitate to get in contact with one of our representatives.





 





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