NCAA Recruiting Guide

Student Athlete Guide

Navigate the complex world of college athletics recruiting. From D1 scholarships to D3 opportunities.

500K+

NCAA student athletes

High schoolers go D1

$3.6B

Athletic scholarships yearly

3.5

Avg years to graduate

The Reality of College Athletics

Key Facts

• Only ~2% of high school athletes play D1 sports
• D3 has the most student athletes (190,000+)
• Most athletes don't get full scholarships
• Academics matter - can't play if ineligible
• Recruiting starts earlier than you think

Be Realistic

• Apply to schools at multiple division levels
• Don't choose a school ONLY for athletics
• Have a backup plan - injuries happen
• Consider where you'd be happy without sports
• Research graduation rates and career support

Important: NCAA Eligibility Center

If you want to play D1 or D2 sports, you MUST register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Do this at the beginning of junior year. It costs $90 ($55 with fee waiver).Register here →