NCAA Eligibility
Student-athletes must meet all NCAA general eligibility requirements, as well as other university academic requirements, to be eligible for intercollegiate competition. A representative of the Office of the University Registrar determines this eligibility by certifying that each student-athlete meets the following NCAA rules.
- For more information, contact the Analysis and Services Unit at 540-231-5612.
Incoming Freshmen
Student-athletes entering the university as freshmen with no previous full-time college attendance must meet a specific set of academic requirements as certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse in addition to being enrolled as a full-time student (enrolled in at least 12 semester hours). For more information on the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse, please call the Athletic Compliance Office at 540-231-2937.
Transfer Student-Athletes
Student-athletes transferring to the university from another institution must meet a specific set of NCAA rules. The NCAA has final approval for exceptions to or the waiving of such rules.
Continuing Eligibility
- Student-athletes who entered college PRIOR to Fall Semester of 2003 and after must meet the following requirements in addition to other University academic requirements:
- Full-time status: be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate or 9 graduate semester hours that count toward a specific baccalaureate or graduate degree program each regular term of the academic year.
- 6 hour rule: successfully complete (pass) 6 hours of courses that count toward a specific baccalaureate or graduate program full-time semester.
- 24 hour rule: successfully complete (pass) 24 hours of courses that count toward a specific baccalaureate program by the end of their first full-time academic year.
- 75% rule: earn at least 75 percent (18 hours) of 24 hours of courses that count toward a specific baccalaureate degree program each academic year.
- Entering second year:
- 90% rule: upon entering their second year (third semester) of collegiate enrollment the student-athlete must have a cumulative minimum GPA that equals at least 90 percent (1.8000) of the institution's GPA that is required for a degree.
- Entering third year:
- Designation of degree: designate a specific program of study (major) leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree by the beginning of the third year of enrollment (fifth semester).
- (NOTE: University Studies, Business, Agriculture, General Engineering, PGE and HR are not degree programs.)
- 95% rule: upon entering their third year (fifth semester) of collegiate enrollment the student-athlete must have a cumulative minimum GPA of at least 95 percent (1.9000) of the institution's GPA that is required for a degree.
- 40% Rule: successfully complete 40% of degree requirements before entering the third year of collegiate enrollment (for example: 48 hours of 120 hour program).
- Designation of degree: designate a specific program of study (major) leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree by the beginning of the third year of enrollment (fifth semester).
- Entering fourth year:
- 60% Rule: successfully complete 60% of degree requirements before entering the fourth year of collegiate enrollment (for example: 72 hours of 120 hour program).
- 100% rule: upon entering their fourth year (seventh semester) of collegiate enrollment the student-athlete must have a cumulative minimum GPA of the institution's GPA that is required for a degree (2.000).
- Entering fifth year:
- 80% Rule: successfully complete 80% of degree requirements before entering the fifth year of collegiate enrollment (for example: 96 hours of 120 hour program)