Tips on how to stay academically eligible in the NJCAA and continue to compete in your sport
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What is Class Credit?
How many credits should you take?
Class credit is what you receive for taking a course in college. Credit is used to measure if enough hours have been completed for you to be eligible for graduation.
- 3 credits = 1 course → 15 credits = 5 courses
Before you enroll in classes, you should know that on average, for every one credit hour you will spend two to three hours outside of class studying for that class. To help you determine the most appropriate class load for you, try using this formula below and use the chart:
3 credit hours (1 course) = 3 hours in class per week = 6-9 hours study time per week.
Tips from former college athletes who have already done this:
-
Most coaches and athletes suggest you take 15 credits a semester instead of the minimum 12 credits.
-
Why? If you fail one class in a 12 credit semester than you will end up only completing 9 out of the required 12 credits and will therefore be ineligible to compete immediately. If you take 15 credits you allow yourself some space in case you mess up on your grades.
-
- When to schedule hard classes:
- Always schedule your hardest classes on the offseason. This doesn't mean you should take more classes during the offseason. You should consistently take the same number of credits each semester, but consider scheduling those that are hardest for you during the offseason.
- Hire a tutor if necessary to help you get through your classes more quickly and easily.
NJCAA Athletice Eligibility Requirements and Guidelines
Continuing Eligibility
Requirements
There is no official governing body of the NJCAA. Many of the rules outlining student-athlete eligibility are dependent on the individual institution and it's guidelines.
In general, for a student athlete to remain eligible, they must be be making "satisfactory progress" within an approved college program or course.
Second Season
Academic
Requirements
Before a student-athlete can participate in a second season of a sport, they are required to meet the academic requirements of a first season participant.
Before an athlete's second semester they must:
- Have accumulated 24 earned/passing semester hours with a GPA of 2.00, OR
- Have accumulated 36 quarter hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher.
- If the student-athlete has been enrolled in two quarter terms or less, the second season requirement becomes 28 quarter hours with a 2.00 GPA or higher.
Continuing
Eligibility
Each institution has its own rules when it comes to academic eligibility requirements. It is highly recommended that you research their their athletic eligibility with the specific college.
Important Note:
Most NJCAA athletes need to complete their Associate Arts (AA) Degree to move on to the NCAA and NAIA
Tips on How to Stay Academically Eligible in the NCAA and Continue to Play Your Sport
What is Class Credit?
How many credits should you take?
Class credit is what you receive for taking a course in college. Credit is used to measure if enough hours have been completed for you to be eligible for graduation.
- 3 credits = 1 course → 15 credits = 5 courses
Before you enroll in classes, you should know that on average, for every one credit hour you will spend two to three hours outside of class studying for that class. To help you determine the most appropriate class load for you, try using this formula below and use the chart:
3 credit hours (1 course) = 3 hours in class per week = 6-9 hours study time per week.
Tips from college athletes who have done it already:
-
Most coaches and athletes suggest you take 15 credits a semester instead of the minimum 12 credits.
-
Why? If you fail one class in a 12 credit semester than you will end up only completing 9 out of the required 12 credits and will therefore be ineligible to compete immediately. If you take 15 credits you allow yourself some space in case you mess up on your grades.
-
- When to schedule hard classes:
- Always schedule your hardest classes on the offseason. This doesn't mean you should take more classes during the offseason. You should consistently take the same number of credits each semester, but consider scheduling those that are hardest for you during the offseason.
- Hire a tutor if necessary to help you get through your classes more quickly and easily.