• NCAA Eligibility

Student-athletes must meet all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) general eligibility requirements, as well as University of South Dakota academic requirements, to be eligible for intercollegiate competition at USD. A compliance representative in the USD Office of the Registrar determines this eligibility by certifying that each student-athlete meets the following NCAA rules.

Incoming Freshman Student-Athletes

Student-athletes entering the University of South Dakota as freshmen with no previous full-time college attendance must meet specific academic requirements as certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center in addition to being enrolled as a full-time student at USD (enrolled in at least 12 semester hours).

NCAA Eligibility Center

Registering with the NCAA Eligibility Center also includes an amateurism certification section used to determine the amateur status of freshmen and transfer prospective student-athletes. Student-athletes must request and receive their Final Amateurism Certification to be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Contact the USD Compliance Office at 605-658-5506 for more information about NCAA eligibility.

Transfer Student-Athletes

Student-athletes transferring to the University of South Dakota from another institution must meet a specific set of NCAA rules. The NCAA has final approval for any exceptions or of the waiving of these rules.

  • NCAA 2019-2020 Guide for Four-Year Transfers for Student-Athletes at Four-Year Colleges
  • NCAA 2019-2020 Guide for Two-Year Transfers for Student-Athletes at Two-Year Colleges

Related Links

USD Athletics Website