What Are the NCAA Requirements for College Soccer?

Understanding NCAA eligibility requirements by division is crucial for college soccer recruiting success.

Each division has different academic standards, timeline rules, and recruiting restrictions that directly impact your path to playing college soccer.

Here’s what you need to know to stay eligible and maximize your opportunities.

Division I Requirements: The Strictest Standards

Academic Eligibility Requirements

• Core Course GPA: Minimum 2.3 (calculated separately from overall GPA)
• 16 Core Courses Required:
  • 4 years English
  • 3 years math (Algebra I or higher)
  • 2 years natural science (1 lab science)
  • 1 additional year English, math, or science
  • 2 years social science
  • 4 years additional courses from any area above, foreign language, or comparative religion/philosophy

Standardized Test Requirements

• SAT or ACT scores optional (but varies by school)
• Sliding scale with core course GPA (higher GPA = lower test score needed)
• Most competitive programs expect scores well above minimum (target 3.7+ GPA)

NCAA Eligibility Center Requirements

• Register by junior year of high school
• Submit final transcripts after graduation
• All core courses must be NCAA-approved
• International students need additional documentation

Amateur Status Rules

• Cannot receive payment for playing soccer
• Cannot sign with an agent
• Cannot compete on professional teams
• Can accept prize money up to $10,000 annually

Note: NIL is now carved out of amateurism rules. You can earn NIL income and still keep your eligibility for Division I soccer — as long as it’s legitimate NIL activity, not professional play.

Division II Requirements: Balanced Standards

Academic Eligibility Requirements

• Core Course GPA: Minimum 2.2 (more lenient than Division I)
• 16 Core Courses Required (same distribution as Division I)
• Additional core courses can improve scholarship opportunities

Standardized Test Requirements

• SAT or ACT scores optional (but varies by school)
• Sliding scale system (less strict than Division I)
• Some flexibility for international students

NCAA Eligibility Center Requirements

• Same registration process as Division I
• Must graduate from high school
• All courses must meet NCAA core course standards

Amateur Status Rules

• Identical to Division I requirements
• Cannot receive payment for athletic participation
• Prize money limitations same as Division I

Division III Requirements: Academic Focus

Academic Eligibility Requirements

• No minimum GPA set by NCAA
• No standardized test requirements from NCAA
• Individual schools set their own academic standards
• Often higher academic expectations than DI/DII

NCAA Eligibility Center

• Registration not required for Division III
• Schools handle eligibility directly
• Must graduate from high school
• Must be enrolled as degree-seeking student

Amateur Status Rules

• More flexible than Division I/II
• Can receive need-based aid and academic scholarships
• Cannot receive athletic scholarships
• Some exceptions for prize money and Olympic training

Transfer Requirements (All Divisions)

New Transfer Portal Rules

• One-time transfer without sitting out (if academically eligible)
• Must enter transfer portal during designated windows
• Academic requirements still apply
• Graduate transfers have additional flexibility

Academic Requirements for Transfers

• Must be in good academic standing
• Minimum GPA requirements vary by receiving school
• Core course requirements already met from previous college work

Common Mistakes That Hurt Eligibility

Academic Pitfalls

• Taking non-NCAA approved core courses
• Focusing only on overall GPA instead of core course GPA
• Waiting until senior year to check eligibility
• Not understanding international student requirements

Amateur Status Violations

• Accepting payment for soccer camps or clinics
• Playing on professional teams (even lower levels)
• Signing with agents or representatives
• Accepting improper benefits from college programs

International Student Considerations

Additional Requirements

• Transcript evaluation through approved agencies
• English proficiency requirements (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Understanding of US academic credit system
• Earlier registration deadlines

Division-Specific Notes

• Division I/II: Full NCAA Eligibility Center process required
• Division III: School-by-school evaluation process
• NAIA: Alternative pathway with different requirements

Eligibility Opens Doors, But Preparation Wins

NCAA eligibility isn’t just about meeting minimums—it’s about positioning yourself competitively.

A 2.3 GPA might make you eligible for Division I, but coaches recruit players with 3.5+ GPAs who bring both athletic and academic value.

The smartest approach? Target the division where you’re not just eligible, but academically competitive. Division III’s lack of contact restrictions creates early recruiting opportunities most players ignore. Meanwhile, the new Division I scholarship rules make strong academics more valuable than ever.

Your eligibility isn’t just your ticket to play—it’s your competitive advantage in college soccer recruiting.

Ready to ensure your NCAA eligibility and maximize your college soccer opportunities? CollegeNovo guides you through division-specific requirements, helps track your academic progress, and connects you with coaches who match your eligibility profile.