Yes, Navarro College is an athletic program competing in NJCAA Division I.
Navarro College's athletic programs operate under the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). This organization governs sports for two-year colleges throughout the United States, providing a structured competitive environment for junior college athletes. It is important to distinguish the NJCAA from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which primarily oversees athletic programs for four-year colleges and universities.
The NJCAA itself is organized into three distinct divisions, each with specific guidelines regarding scholarships and competitive levels. Navarro College competes at the highest of these junior college tiers.
Understanding NJCAA Divisions
The three divisions within the NJCAA are categorized by the type and amount of athletic scholarships they are permitted to offer:
| Division | Scholarship Limitations | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| NJCAA Division I | Can offer full athletic scholarships. | Programs can provide full financial assistance for tuition, fees, room, board, and books. This division typically attracts a wide range of top junior college athletic talent. |
| NJCAA Division II | Can offer scholarships covering tuition, fees, and books. | Scholarships are limited to covering only tuition, course fees, and the cost of books. Athletes are responsible for their own housing and meal expenses. |
| NJCAA Division III | Cannot offer any athletic scholarships. | These programs operate without offering athletic scholarships. Student-athletes participate solely based on their academic and personal commitment, with all expenses being their responsibility. |
As a NJCAA Division I institution, Navarro College's sports teams have the ability to offer comprehensive athletic scholarships to student-athletes. This classification enables them to recruit and compete with other top-tier junior college programs across the nation.
