Complete List of NAIA Schools

You may be familiar with the phrase, “D1 or bust,” but when it comes to pursuing your athletic dreams in college, there’s more than just the NCAA.  

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) offers a great alternative for student-athletes, with a wide variety of schools, sports programs, and a supportive community. In fact, NAIA schools are known to be highly competitive and give out scholarship dollars. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how scholarships function within the NAIA and give you a comprehensive list of NAIA colleges.

NAIA scholarships

The NAIA has a significant scholarship fund of $1.3 billion to help student-athletes at its institutions. These scholarships follow an equivalency model, allowing coaches to distribute funds among multiple athletes. They cover crucial expenses like tuition, fees, books, supplies and even room and board.  

Each sport has its own scholarship limit for recruiting, and the renewal of NAIA scholarships depends on annual evaluations carried out by coaches and schools. 

How many scholarships can NAIA schools offer?

The max number of scholarships an NAIA school can offer ranges between 5-24 depending on the specific sport. For example, in football, each team can offer 24 scholarships, while in basketball, teams can provide 8 scholarships. Keep in mind that not all schools are fully funded, meaning not all sports programs can guarantee the maximum number of scholarships. 

NAIA college recruiting and eligibility rules

NAIA college recruiting and eligibility rules are in place to guide the process for student-athletes who wish to participate in NAIA sports programs. Unlike the NCAA, the NAIA does not have specific recruiting calendar restrictions. Meaning, coaches and student-athletes can communicate directly throughout the year.  

Regarding eligibility, the NAIA places importance on academic performance and completion of necessary coursework. While the NAIA doesn’t have specific core course requirements, student-athletes must still meet certain academic benchmarks. 

Learn more about NAIA eligibility requirements. 

It’s essential for student-athletes to familiarize themselves with the specific recruiting and eligibility rules set by the NAIA to ensure they meet the necessary criteria to participate in NAIA sports. 

Best NAIA schools

NCSA’s power rankings offer comprehensive information on NAIA sports programs, academics and financial aspects, helping you compare NAIA schools and make an informed decision.  

Use to view the Best NAIA Schools for Student-Athletes and discover the ideal NAIA institution for you. 

NAIA schools list

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