NAIA
Here’s everything you need to know about the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). If you need further information.
NAIA Eligibility Center
Register with PlayNAIA.org
PlayNAIA.org helps future student-athletes discover and connect with NAIA schools, coaches and athletic scholarships. PlayNAIA is also the official clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility. Every student-athlete must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to play sports at an NAIA college or university.
NAIA: The Right Choice for You
When it comes to collegiate athletics associations, how do you know which is the best fit for your institution? It comes down to priorities. If your school wants to be nationally competitive at a reasonable price, while driving enrollment and supporting the school’s bottom line, the NAIA is the best association for you.
NAIA schools measure success not just by game scores, but by their financial bottom lines, too. Their NCAA counterparts spend an average of 60 percent more on athletics.
The Benefits of Playing in the NAIA
Student-athletes come first in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Their needs, desires and ambitions guide our every decision. They are the inspiration that drives us to make character a core component and benefit of all intercollegiate sports. That’s why we are here and why we stand apart.
The Opportunity to Play
- Our NAIA member colleges and universities give student-athletes the chance to compete and learn the ultimate benefits of teamwork and accomplishment.
- NAIA student-athletes experience what it means to be a championship-level competitor.
- Our institutions, administrators and coaches are in unique positions to positively impact the educational, athletic and emotional development of young people.
- Tight-knit campus communities mean closer interaction, stronger relationships, and personalized attention.
Character as our Guide
- The NAIA Champions of Character program provides our student-athletes and member institutions with the training and positive examples of how character matters. It changes perspectives and fuels better performance on the field, in the classroom and in personal relationships.
- We help prepare our athletes in leadership and in life through programs that help prepare them not only for competition and graduation, but also leadership roles after college.
Member Facts and Figures
- 1,400 Average full-time enrollment
- 82% Private institutions
- 65% Faith-based institutions
- 16 Average # of sports
- 293 Average # of student-athletes
- $3.21 MM Median athletics budget
- $1.5 MM Operating budget
- $1.42 MM Athletic aid
The Benefits of Playing in the NAIA
NAIA Showcase
More than 30,000 students register each year to gain exposure and an opportunity to play.
NAIA Eligibility Center
The NAIA is the only college athletics association that offers official events for prospective student-athletes to showcase their skills on the field in front of NAIA coaches.
Maximizing Your Return on Athletics
The NAIA provides members the tools and opportunities to support their institutional strategic priorities. Return on Athletics (ROA) is the NAIA’s proprietary approach to the management of collegiate athletics. Through data analytics, ROA provides institutional-level insight so members can maximize the impact athletics has on enrollment, student success, and financial viability.
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