Want to be part of the NJCAA experience?

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is the national governing body of two-year collegiate athletics and continues to be the leader in championing academic and athletic opportunities for student-athletes.

The organization is the second-largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States (second to the NCAA) with over 500 member colleges in 44 states.

Each year, nearly 70,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports, with the organization sponsoring 53 national championship events plus sanctioned football bowl games.  To learn more, visit: The NJCAA Experience

As an NJCAA student-athlete, you have the opportunity to...

• Compete for regional, district, and national championship titles
• Develop and improve your skills against collegiate competition
• Garner regional and national athletic and academic honors
• Obtain a first-class education while preparing for the next step in life
• Utilize NJCAA official partners and sponsors for national recruiting exposure

To search where you can begin your NJCAA experience, visit: NJCAA Member College Directory 

Community and technical colleges allow all students, including those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, to pursue higher education degrees or trade certifications.  As education costs continue to rise at four-year institutions, NJCAA member colleges are an affordable option for student-athletes to continue their academic and athletic careers.

The Comparison

During the 2019-2020 academic year the average yearly price of tuition, fees, room, and board for students attending a two-year institution was significantly lower than the average yearly price for students attending a four-year college.  Why pay more for the same classes?

When attending a four-year institution, students traditionally take general education courses during their first two years while exploring potential options for their major. By attending a two-year college, students have the opportunity to complete their general education requirements for a fraction of the price.

Two-year college courses and programs are structured to help students earn credits that transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce upon graduation.  

Often called JUCO, the NJCAA provides the opportunity for student-athletes across the country to compete at the highest levels of their respective sports.  The NJCAA serves as a launchpad, reset point, or a first opportunity for thousands of student-athletes each year. 

NJCAA alumni have made an impact on the four-year collegiate, professional, and international levels including MLB Hall of Famers, NFL MVPs, Olympic medalists, and more.   

• NFL: Alvin Kamara, Tyreek Hill, Cam Newton, Jason Pierre-Paul, Gardner Minshew
• MLB: Bryce Harper, Albert Pujols, Jim Thome, Kirby Puckett, Andy Pettitte
• NBA: Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder, Shawn Marion, Larry Johnson, Spud Webb
• WNBA: Sheryl Swoopes, Yolanda Griffith, Danielle Adams, Amber Holt, Elaine Powell
• Track & Field: Kenny Bednarek, Brittney Reese, Tyson Gay, Andre De Grasse, Veronica Campbell-Brown

The NJCAA is not just JUCO.  The NJCAA is the national governing body for two-year collegiate athletics.  The NJCAA defines JUCO.

To view more former NJCAA student-athletes, visit: NJCAA Alumni

To view news stories about former NJCAA student-athletes, visit: NJCAA Alumni News

After competing in the NJCAA, student-athletes may be recruited by four-year institutions (NCAA or NAIA) to transfer and continue their academic and athletic careers. Recruitment by or a scholarship to an NCAA or NAIA institution is not guaranteed.  Prospective student-athletes should become familiar with each association's unique eligibility requirements.

To learn more about the NCAA, visit: NCAA Eligibility

NCAA Transfer Resources 

• Want to Transfer?
• NCAA Guide for Two-Year Transfers - 2023-24
• Two-Year College Transfers: Student Best Practices

To learn more about the NAIA, visit: PlayNAIA