What is the minimum GPA to get a scholarship?
The minimum GPA varies based on your standardized test scores and which college division level you want to play.
For NCAA Divisions 1 and 2, the lowest you can possibly score is a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. If you have a 2.0 GPA you must score a combined 1010 on the critical reading and math sections of the SAT.
You can take the ACT exam instead of the SAT if you prefer. With a 2.0 GPA you must score a combined total of 86 points on the four sections of the ACT, English, math, science, and reading. The NCAA Eligibility Center doesn’t use the writing portion of either test when determining eligibility. Individual colleges, however, usually look at all sections during the admissions process.
The NCAA uses a sliding scale of GPA and SAT or ACT scores. The better your GPA is, the lower your test scores can be.
If you are a great student and have a GPA of 3.55 or above, you will only need to score a 400 combined score on the SAT or a 37 combined score on the ACT. You can see the sliding scale for GPA and standardized test scores on our website.
The NAIA and NCAA Division 3 levels are different. In the NAIA, an athlete must fulfill 2 out of 3 requirements to be eligible. They must either graduate in the top half of their class, have at least a 2.0 GPA, and/or score an 860 or an 18 on the SAT or Enhanced ACT, respectively.
At the NCAA Division 3 level, individual schools determine eligibility requirements. But remember, D3 schools don’t offer athletic scholarships. They only offer academic scholarships so the higher your GPA the better!
In 2015, the GPA for incoming freshman will be raised to 2.3. Athletes will still be able to receive a scholarship with a 2.0, but the NCAA is instituting an academic redshirt year for athletes with GPAs between 2.0 and 2.3.
Just getting the minimum is not always enough to get into the school of your choice. Most colleges and universities have much higher academic standards than what is required by the Eligibility Center.
Coaches care about more than just your athletic ability. The better your grades are the better your chances of getting a scholarship. Studying and getting good grades is becoming more important than ever!
Find opportunities for athletic scholarships and get connected to college coaches.