The NCAA, or National Collegiate Athletic Association, is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that regulates athletics for over 1,000 member colleges and universities. It oversees college sports in three divisions—I, II, and III—with each division having different rules, especially regarding athletic scholarships, which Division I and II members can offer but Division III members cannot. The NCAA's mission is to support the well-being of student-athletes while governing fair and safe competition.

NCAA Eligibility Center

The NAIA, or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, is a governing body for small college athletics programs in the United States. It focuses on character-driven intercollegiate athletics and provides opportunities for more than 83,000 student-athletes to compete in 29 national championships while balancing academics and social life. The NAIA is known for its member institutions being smaller, potentially more affordable, and often having less stringent practice and competition schedules compared to the NCAA. 

NAIA Student Resources:

• Early Decision and Freshman Requirements
• Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
• NAIA Fee Waiver Guide
• NAIA School Locations
• Find Your Path
• NAIA Student-Athlete Wellness Center