Student-athletes with the desire to play collegiate tennis should not rule out NAIA Men’s tennis programs. The NAIA tennis schools follow guidelines which differ from colleges belonging to the NCAA. With the academic qualifications NAIA tennis colleges follow being less strict than those of NCAA schools, men’s tennis players may decide to participate for a NAIA program. The NAIA also has more lenient recruiting rules which means a student-athlete can contact college recruiters earlier.
There are 107 NAIA men’s tennis programs. NAIA tennis schools are allotted 5 scholarships to offer prospective student-athletes. NAIA scholarships are like the NCAA ‘equivalency’ awards and can be offered as partial scholarships to men’s tennis players.
The NAIA tennis colleges are permitted by the NAIA to offer a maximum equivalent of 5 scholarships. However, many NAIA men’s tennis programs offer less than maximum amount. Student-athletes should always ask for specifics when being recruited.
NCSA has compiled a list of Power Rankings to help guide a NAIA tennis recruit in the college decision quest.
NCSA Power Rankings are different than NCAA power rankings. NCSA compiles its list to provide future student-athletes a complete college picture, including such factors as tuition after financial aid in order to provide accurate information for the college decision-making choice by the athlete.