Barry PhilipsIf you are a student-athlete looking for an affordable college experience where you can combine academics with competitive sports, NAIA schools in Texas are worth considering. Texas has several NAIA institutions offering opportunities in sports such as basketball, football, soccer, baseball, softball, track and field, golf, volleyball and wrestling.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) currently has about 250 member schools across North America, with numerous championship sports and opportunities for student-athletes.
Texas is home to a diverse group of NAIA institutions, including private universities, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), faith-based institutions and public universities.
Top NAIA Schools in Texas
1. Texas Wesleyan University
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Texas Wesleyan University is one of the better-known NAIA institutions in Texas. The Rams compete in the Sooner Athletic Conference and offer a variety of sports.
The university can appeal to students who want a private university environment combined with intercollegiate athletics. Its location in Fort Worth also places students within a large metropolitan area with access to internships, businesses and professional opportunities.
Typical requirements: Applicants generally need a completed secondary-school qualification or equivalent, academic records and any other documents requested by the university. Student-athletes must also satisfy NAIA eligibility requirements.
2. Wayland Baptist University
Location: Plainview, Texas
Wayland Baptist University is a private Christian university and a long-standing participant in NAIA athletics. Its athletic teams compete in the Sooner Athletic Conference.
Wayland Baptist offers a particularly interesting option for students who want to combine higher education, athletics and a Christian institutional environment.
Typical requirements: Applicants normally submit an application, academic transcripts and other admissions documents. International students may need proof of English proficiency and additional immigration-related documentation.
Athletes must separately meet NAIA eligibility requirements.
3. Our Lady of the Lake University
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Our Lady of the Lake University, commonly known as OLLU, is a private university in San Antonio. Its athletic teams compete in the Red River Athletic Conference.
OLLU provides opportunities for student-athletes while also offering a range of academic programs. The university’s San Antonio location makes it attractive to students who prefer studying in a large Texas city.
Typical requirements: Students generally need an application and academic records. International applicants may have additional requirements, including proof of English proficiency and financial documentation.
4. Texas A&M University–San Antonio
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Texas A&M University–San Antonio is a public university and a member of the Red River Athletic Conference for NAIA athletics.
The institution provides an alternative to the smaller private colleges commonly associated with NAIA athletics. Its public-university environment may appeal to students looking for a larger academic setting.
Typical requirements: Admission requirements depend on the applicant’s educational background and intended program. Prospective athletes must also complete the relevant NAIA eligibility process.
5. Texas A&M University–Texarkana
Location: Texarkana, Texas
Texas A&M University–Texarkana has participated in NAIA athletics through the Red River Athletic Conference.
The university provides undergraduate and graduate education and gives student-athletes an opportunity to combine academic study with competitive sports.
Typical requirements: Applicants generally need appropriate high-school or college academic records, an application and program-specific documentation where applicable.
Prospective student-athletes should check their NAIA eligibility status before competing.
6. Texas A&M University–Victoria
Location: Victoria, Texas
Texas A&M University–Victoria is another public institution competing in the NAIA through the Red River Athletic Conference.
The university serves students in South Texas and provides undergraduate and graduate academic opportunities.
Typical requirements: Students generally need to meet the university’s admission requirements and submit academic records. Athletic recruits must also satisfy NAIA eligibility rules.
7. University of Houston–Victoria
Location: Victoria, Texas
The University of Houston–Victoria has participated in NAIA athletics, particularly through the Red River Athletic Conference.
Its combination of public-university academics and intercollegiate athletics makes it another option for students searching for NAIA opportunities in Texas.
Typical requirements: Prospective students normally need an application and academic transcripts. Requirements can vary according to whether the student is a first-year, transfer or international applicant.
8. University of North Texas at Dallas
Location: Dallas, Texas
The University of North Texas at Dallas is a public institution in the Dallas area and has competed in NAIA athletics.
Its metropolitan location can be attractive to students who want access to the educational, professional and cultural opportunities available in the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
Typical requirements: Applicants need to satisfy the university’s academic admission requirements and provide the requested educational records. Student-athletes must separately satisfy NAIA eligibility standards.
9. Jarvis Christian University
Location: Hawkins, Texas
Jarvis Christian University is a private historically Black university in East Texas. Its Bulldogs compete in NAIA athletics and have participated in the Red River Athletic Conference.
The institution can be particularly attractive to students interested in an HBCU environment combined with intercollegiate sports.
Typical requirements: Students generally need an application, academic transcripts and other admission documents requested by the university. International applicants may have additional requirements.
10. Huston-Tillotson University
Location: Austin, Texas
Huston-Tillotson University is a historically Black university located in Austin. Its Rams compete in NAIA athletics.
The Austin location provides students with access to one of Texas’s major technology, business and cultural centers.
Typical requirements: Applicants generally submit an application and academic records. Athletic recruits must also meet NAIA eligibility standards before participating in eligible competition.
11. Texas College
Location: Tyler, Texas
Texas College is a historically Black college in Tyler and competes in NAIA athletics.
The college provides a relatively small-campus environment and participates in the Red River Athletic Conference. Students interested in a close-knit college experience may find this type of institution appealing.
Typical requirements: Applicants generally need a completed secondary education, academic transcripts and other admission materials. Student-athletes must also satisfy NAIA eligibility requirements.
12. North American University
Location: Stafford, Texas
North American University is located in the Houston metropolitan area and participates in NAIA athletics.
The institution provides opportunities for students who want to study in the Houston area while participating in collegiate sports.
Typical requirements: Applicants typically provide academic records and complete the institution’s admission process. International applicants may have additional documentation and English-language requirements.
Athletes must also satisfy NAIA eligibility standards.
13. Nelson University
Location: Waxahachie, Texas
Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University, is a private Christian university in Waxahachie.
Its athletic program competes in the Sooner Athletic Conference. The university is therefore an option for student-athletes interested in combining Christian higher education with collegiate athletics.
Typical requirements: Applicants generally need to submit an application and academic records. Additional requirements can apply depending on the student’s academic program and nationality.
Student-athletes must separately meet NAIA eligibility requirements.
14. Paul Quinn College
Location: Dallas, Texas
Paul Quinn College is a historically Black institution in Dallas and has participated in NAIA athletics.
Its Dallas location provides access to a major metropolitan economy and a broad range of professional opportunities.
Typical requirements: Applicants generally need to satisfy the college’s admission criteria and provide appropriate academic records. Athletes should also complete the NAIA eligibility process.
15. Wiley University
Location: Marshall, Texas
Wiley University is a historically Black university in Marshall, Texas. Its athletic program has participated in NAIA competition.
The university offers students the opportunity to pursue higher education in a smaller-campus setting while participating in collegiate athletics.
Typical requirements: Students generally submit an application, academic transcripts and other required admission documents. Athletic eligibility is handled separately through the NAIA system.
General NAIA Eligibility Requirements
Getting admitted to a university does not automatically mean that a student can compete in NAIA athletics.
The NAIA requires prospective student-athletes to go through its eligibility process. The official NAIA system identifies PlayNAIA as the platform through which prospective athletes can connect with schools, coaches and athletic scholarship opportunities. Every student-athlete must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to play sports at an NAIA college or university.
Academic Requirements
Academic eligibility is an important part of the NAIA process. Students should have their academic records prepared and ensure that their qualifications satisfy the applicable NAIA standards.
High-school graduates, international students and transfer students may have different eligibility considerations.
Amateur Status
Student-athletes must also satisfy applicable NAIA amateurism rules. Students should accurately disclose relevant athletic participation and other information during the eligibility process.
Transcripts
Official academic records may be required to establish eligibility. International students should expect to provide appropriate educational documentation and, where necessary, credential evaluations.
NAIA Eligibility Center Registration
Prospective student-athletes should create their profile through PlayNAIA and complete the eligibility process before expecting to participate in NAIA competition.
University Admission
NAIA eligibility and university admission are two separate matters. A student may satisfy one institution’s admission requirements but still need to complete the NAIA eligibility process before competing.
Athletic Scholarships at NAIA Schools
One of the attractions of NAIA athletics is the possibility of athletic scholarships and other forms of financial assistance.
However, scholarship availability varies considerably between schools, sports and individual athletes. A coach may evaluate an athlete based on playing ability, position, competition level, academic record and the needs of the team.
Students should therefore contact coaches directly and ask about:
- Athletic scholarships
- Academic scholarships
- Institutional grants
- Housing assistance
- Meal plans
- Team requirements
- Recruitment timelines
- Walk-on opportunities
A scholarship is not guaranteed simply because an athlete is talented or eligible to compete.
Requirements for International Students
Texas NAIA schools also recruit international student-athletes. International applicants should expect additional requirements compared with domestic applicants.
These may include:
- International academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency
- Passport information
- Financial documentation
- Student visa documentation
- Credential evaluation where required
- NAIA eligibility documentation
International student-athletes should begin the process early because admission, immigration and athletic eligibility can involve separate timelines.
How to Apply to an NAIA School in Texas
The application process generally follows several stages.
Choose Your Sport and Schools
Start by identifying schools that offer your sport. Do not choose a school solely because it is an NAIA institution. Consider the academic program, location, tuition, scholarship opportunities and athletic environment.
Prepare Your Athletic Profile
Prepare information about your sporting background, including your position, statistics, competition history, awards, video highlights and coach references where appropriate.
Contact Coaches
Contact coaches at schools that interest you. Introduce yourself professionally and provide your academic and athletic information.
Apply for Admission
Complete the university’s regular admission application. Athletic recruitment does not replace normal university admission.
Register With the NAIA
Create your PlayNAIA profile and begin the NAIA eligibility process.
Submit Required Documents
Provide transcripts and other documents requested by the university and NAIA Eligibility Center.
Discuss Financial Aid
Ask the institution and coach about available athletic and academic financial assistance.
Comparison Table of NAIA Schools in Texas
| School | Location | Type | Athletic Conference | Key Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Wesleyan University | Fort Worth | Private | Sooner | Major-city location |
| Wayland Baptist University | Plainview | Private Christian | Sooner | Christian university |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | San Antonio | Private | Red River | San Antonio location |
| Texas A&M-San Antonio | San Antonio | Public | Red River | Public university |
| Texas A&M-Texarkana | Texarkana | Public | Red River | Public university |
| Texas A&M-Victoria | Victoria | Public | Red River | South Texas location |
| University of Houston-Victoria | Victoria | Public | Red River | Public university |
| UNT Dallas | Dallas | Public | Red River | Dallas location |
| Jarvis Christian University | Hawkins | Private HBCU | Red River | HBCU environment |
| Huston-Tillotson University | Austin | Private HBCU | HBCU Athletic Conference | Austin location |
| Texas College | Tyler | Private HBCU | Red River | Small-campus environment |
| North American University | Stafford | Private | Red River | Houston-area location |
| Nelson University | Waxahachie | Private Christian | Sooner | Faith-based environment |
| Paul Quinn College | Dallas | Private HBCU | HBCU Athletic Conference | Dallas location |
| Wiley University | Marshall | Private HBCU | HBCU Athletic Conference | HBCU environment |
Related
Conclusion
Texas has a diverse selection of NAIA colleges for student-athletes who want to pursue higher education while competing in collegiate sports. Options include public universities, private universities, Christian institutions and historically Black colleges and universities.
The current Texas NAIA landscape includes schools such as Texas Wesleyan University, Wayland Baptist University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas A&M University–San Antonio, Texas A&M University–Texarkana, Jarvis Christian University, Huston-Tillotson University, Texas College, North American University, Nelson University and Wiley University.
Because NAIA membership and athletic affiliations can change, prospective students should confirm a school’s current status, sport sponsorship and eligibility requirements before applying. The NAIA itself maintains a current member-school directory, while PlayNAIA provides resources for prospective student-athletes.
Most importantly, student-athletes should evaluate both academics and athletics. The right NAIA college should provide an academic program that matches your career goals, an athletic opportunity appropriate for your ability, and a financial arrangement that is realistic for your circumstances.