About the NAIA

NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

The NAIA is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs among smaller institutions across North America. With a focus on character, academics, and athletics, the NAIA provides opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level while receiving a well-rounded college experience.

  • Over 250 member schools

  • 65,000+ student-athletes

  • Offers scholarships similar to NCAA programs

  • Known for flexibility and accessibility

  • Home of the Champions of Character initiative, promoting integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership

Benefits of the NAIA

Recruitment

  • Flexible NAIA recruitment process encourages coach-student mentoring
  • NAIA Showcase events to help coaches and prospective student-athletes find the best mutual fit

Competition

  • High-caliber experience with 26 national championships
  • 17% of student-athletes compete in post-season play

Champions of Character®

  • Character development for coaches, staff, and student-athletes
  • Focus on teaching integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership
  • Outreach activities for high school and youth sports at every NAIA championship

Why Choose the NAIA?

See The Difference

The numbers show that NAIA member schools are maximizing their Return on Athletics®

$4MM
Average athletics
department net return

17%
Spend 17% less per student-athlete than NCAA peers

$8,200
Average net return
per student-athlete

13.71%
Growth in NAIA student-athlete enrollment from 2019 to 2023
(compared to 8.04% for DII and 9.17% for DIII)

18
Average NAIA member sponsors
18 sports

90%
NAIA athletics departments
produce a positive net return
for their institution

 

“We moved back to the NAIA after 22 years in the NCAA. It’s been a great fit for us, our student-athletes, and the institution as a whole. We already have seen a significant bump in athletic participation and our bottom-line has benefitted as well.”

Tim Faltyn
Former President
Oklahoma Panhandle State

 

 

The NAIA Advantage – Maximizing Your Return on Athletics®

 
 

Finances

 

Analytics

 

Drive Enrollment & Retention

 

Autonomy

 

Student-Athlete Experience

 

 

Our history

From modest beginnings, we've grown through unwavering dedication and a commitment to continuous improvement. Each step has reinforced our core belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of integrity. We're passionate about what we do, and we're excited to share our story with you.