What's the difference between NCAA & NAIA?

[Becks7]

Is it just school size? how does the level of competition between the 2 leagues differ?

My friend is looking at different schools to go to, should he consider the school if it's NCAA or NAIA?

[helmzgk]

NCAA has three divisions, those are dependent on school size, while NAIA is a division all on it's own. NAIA schools are on the same level competition wise as Division 2 schools in NCAA. NAIA schools can also give out scholarships while D3 schools can't.
I'm guessing here, but I'm thinking more private schools and religion affiliated schools are in NAIA. That's just what I think I read/heard about the NAIA. But NAIA schools are good schools just don't get as much attention as NCAA schools. If your friend is choosing between D3 or a weak D2 school and an NAIA school, he should go for an NAIA school.

[striker]

Your friend should choose the school that will give him the best education.

[Becks7]

Originally posted by striker
Your friend should choose the school that will give him the best education.

Ya that's true...but I think he's using university more as a stepping stone towards bigger and better things (maybe MLS???). We're from Canada, and I'm sure that if education was his number 1 priority, he'd stick around here.

[iowa007]

check out the national soccer coaches athletic association web site, and see their ranking of soccer programs, and tell your friend/brother ( i forgot) to go to a good college with a top soccer program. ( ex. wheaton, u of V., santa clara u., stanford, illinois, UCLA) MLS drafted players from Div 3 wheaton, and div. 1. but his best bet if he wants to get exposure is to go to a top div. 1 team.

think about it, and you will see that this is true,

NAIA does not get the recruiting exposure from the pro's as NCAA does...

i hope this helps.

[Canadian_Supporter]

Originally posted by Becks7
We're from Canada, and I'm sure that if education was his number 1 priority, he'd stick around here.

I went to a D3 school in Iowa (small private school) to get a good education and play soccer. However, I ended up only playing for two years because I wanted to focus on my education. Of course I didn't received a scholarship (being D3), but the school payed for 50% of my costs (international grant). Thus, it was about the same as a Canadian university.

My team played a few games against NAIA schools, and they can offer scholarships (big difference from D3).

[Becks7]

Originally posted by Canadian_Supporter
I went to a D3 school in Iowa (small private school) to get a good education and play soccer. However, I ended up only playing for two years because I wanted to focus on my education. Of course I didn't received a scholarship (being D3), but the school payed for 50% of my costs (international grant). Thus, it was about the same as a Canadian university.


Here at University of Alberta I can only get $1800/year to cover a $4500 tuition