WATCH VIDEO: Introduction to USA College Pathway
Watch this video if you are interested in a USA College Pathway.
Listen to our USA Pathway Coordinator provide an introduction and overview to what the USA college system looks like, the required academic eligibility and other options available outside NCAA.
***IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: We endeavour to ensure the information below is currently up to date but it can change frequently and without notice.
If you are interested in a USA College Pathway you MUST email: RSA@rowvillesc.vic.edu.au and Tamie.Harvey@education.vic.gov.au
USA COLLEGE PATHWAYS
Receiving a scholarship to University’s or College’s in the USA is an achievement. It provides student-athletes the skills and opportunities to learn, play and succeed. This pathway is available to capable academic student-athletes who also excel in their chosen sport.
There are full and partial scholarships available at 4 year colleges and universities for “qualifying” students-athletes and 2 year colleges and Universities for both “qualifiers” and “Non- qualifiers”.
Things to consider regarding USA College Pathways:
- Academic Eligibility 2.3GPA or high “C”
- Academics and future professional pathway
- Amateurism
- Sports development
- Life experience.
NCAA Eligibility (see www.ncaa.org/playcollegesports) **Please note these requirements are subject to change.
- Suitable for National or state level athletes.
- 4-year University Degree.
- Must graduate with a VCE certificate.
- Must complete a minimum of 16 Core courses from year 9-12, with all grades of C and above. The Core courses required are English, Math’s, Natural/Physical science and Social Science. LOTE, Philosophy and comparative Religion (e.g. VCE Religion) are also accepted. There is a requirement for each main core course on how many years this must be studied.
- Final GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using final Year 12 VCE grades for VCE units 3 & 4 subjects in NCAA core course subjects only. Grades of C and above, are required to achieve a satisfactory GPA.
- Must achieve satisfactory SAT or ACT score. www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org.
- ATAR is not considered for NCAA eligibility.
- NCAA student-athletes must complete years 9-12 in 4 years.
- NCAA rules require student-athletes to start College in the year following graduation from High School.
- Please note: College bound student-athletes first entering NCAA Division 1 college or University on or after August 1st 2016 will need to meet new stricter academic rules in order to receive athlete scholarships, practise or compete during the first year.
NAIA Eligibility (see www.playnaia.org)
- Suitable for next level athlete.
- Must graduate with a VCE certificate.
- No Core Course requirements.
- Final GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using final Year 12 VCE grades for VCE units 3 & 4 subjects in NCAA core course subjects only. Grades of C and above, are required to achieve a satisfactory GPA.
- Must achieve satisfactory SAT or ACT score – www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org.
- ATAR should be above 50 for NAIA eligibility.
Junior or Community College (see www.njcaa.org)
- Athletes can be either “qualifiers” (Academically eligible) or “non-qualifiers” (Academically not eligible) student-athletes studying at these 2 year colleges.
- Must graduate with a VCE certificate.
- No core course requirements. Grades of D and above are acceptable for Junior/Community College.
- Student-athletes may obtain an Associate degree in 2 years, then EITHER return to Australia OR be recruited to transfer to NCAA or NAIA University. Students will study their final 2 years and obtain a Bachelor’s degree while competing in NCAA/NAIA sports over that period.
USA College Pathway: Academic Compliance Questionnaire >>
For further information regarding your eligibility please email: RSA@rowvillesc.vic.edu.au and Tamie.Harvey@education.vic.gov.au