NEW NCAA BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP CHANGES

Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, the NCAA is set to remove the cap on Division 1 scholarships, pending the approval of a proposed settlement. This change will offer schools greater flexibility in allocating scholarships across all sports, including baseball, and is expected to significantly impact the college baseball recruiting landscape. These updates are aimed at expanding opportunities for student-athletes.

IMPACT ON BASEBALL RECRUITS

• Roster Limits: Division 1 baseball teams will continue to have a maximum roster size of 34 players.
• Scholarship Allocation: Coaches will have the ability to distribute scholarships to all 34 players, either as full or partial awards. This will result in a 22.3% increase in total scholarship availability, making it more accessible for recruits to receive financial aid at the Division 1 level.

D1 BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIPS

With 295 Division 1 baseball programs, the proposed changes would allow each program to offer scholarships to all 34 rostered athletes. Recruitment at the D1 level often begins early, with verbal commitments frequently made as early as a player’s sophomore year of high school.

Despite these changes, Division 1 baseball will remain an equivalency sport, meaning scholarships can still be split among multiple athletes. This provides flexibility for coaches to build a more balanced team.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR D1 ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for Division 1, student-athletes must complete 10 of their 16 core courses before their senior year. These courses include:

• Four years of English
• Three years of math (Algebra 1 or higher)
• Two years of natural/physical science
• One additional year of English, math, or science
• Two years of social science
• Four additional years from subjects such as English, math, science, social science, world language, or comparative religion/philosophy

A minimum GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale is required, and athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center by the end of their sophomore year.

D2 BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIPS

With 258 Division 2 baseball programs, each team can offer up to 9 scholarships. Many D2 athletes have the talent to compete at the D1 level but choose D2 for more immediate playing time or better scholarship offers.

Recruitment for D2 programs also starts early, with verbal commitments often happening before the early signing period during a player’s senior year.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR D2 ELIGIBILITY

To qualify academically for Division 2, athletes must complete the following:

• Three years of English
• Two years of math (Algebra 1 or higher)
• Two years of science (with one lab, if available)
• Two years of social science
• Four additional years from English, math, science, social science, world language, or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy

D3 BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIPS

Division 3 baseball, with 385 programs, does not offer athletic scholarships. However, D3 schools often provide financial aid packages comparable to athletic scholarships, and their recruiting efforts rely heavily on athletes initiating contact.

Each school has its own admissions standards, so athletes need to research their target schools to ensure they meet academic qualifications. Many D3 schools are known for their rigorous academic programs, and athletes can often find substantial merit-based aid.

NAIA BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIPS

The NAIA, with 192 baseball programs, offers up to 12 scholarships per team. These scholarships are typically split among multiple athletes, allowing for more widespread financial support. For some athletes, the NAIA provides better scholarship opportunities than other divisions.

NAIA ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for the NAIA, athletes must meet two of the following criteria:

• Finish in the top half of their graduating class
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Score at least 970 on the SAT or 18 on the ACT

Athletes must also register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to compete.

JUNIOR COLLEGE BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIPS

Junior colleges offer an alternative pathway for athletes to develop both athletically and academically before transferring to four-year institutions. There are 401 junior college baseball programs, each with the ability to offer up to 24 scholarships. Many athletes use junior colleges as a stepping stone to eventually join NCAA Division 1 or 2 programs.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR JUNIOR COLLEGE

Junior college recruits must have a high school diploma or a GED. If they haven’t yet graduated, they must complete 12 college credits with a minimum GPA of 1.75 to be eligible for participation.

CONCLUSION

The upcoming NCAA scholarship changes are expected to increase opportunities for college baseball players by allowing more flexibility in how scholarships are distributed. Whether athletes aim for Division 1, 2, NAIA, or junior colleges, there are various pathways to receiving financial aid and continuing their athletic careers. By understanding the requirements and timelines for each division, recruits can better prepare themselves for the competitive world of college baseball.