NAIA FAQs

Is this official yet?

The CBU Board of Trustees approved this move. CBU has submitted its application for membership in the NAIA’s Mid-South Conference, and the NAIA is expected to formally act on that application during its fall meeting in late September 2026. Once accepted, the move becomes official.

When does CBU actually start competing in the Mid-South Conference?

Pending NAIA acceptance, CBU teams will complete the 2026-2027 season in the Gulf Coast Conference (NCAA Division II), then begin Mid-South Conference (NAIA) competition with the 2027–28 season.

Does my scholarship change?

No. Your athletic scholarship and financial aid package remain intact for as long as you’re enrolled and eligible, exactly as committed when you signed.

Will I still compete?

Yes. You’ll finish the 2026-2027 season in the Gulf Coast Conference as scheduled, then move with your team into NAIA Mid-South Conference competition. Your sport, your roster spot, and your coach are not changing.

Is my degree affected?

Not at all. This is a change in athletic conference affiliation only — it has no bearing on your academic program, your credits, or your degree.

Is this a step backward?

No. NAIA institutions compete in 29 national championship sports and offer a real path to conference and national competition. CBU made this decision because it’s the right fit for your experience.

Will recruiting change for incoming teammates?

Future teammates will be recruited under NAIA rules starting with the class arriving in Fall 2027 — new opportunities for scholarship and roster growth for your program.

Is NAIA competition still legitimate, high-level competition?

Yes. The NAIA is a nationally recognized collegiate athletics association crowning national champions across 29 sports.

Will this cost our family more?

If anything, less. A regional conference schedule means shorter, more affordable travel for away games — and more home games your family can attend without travel at all.

What will change for our family day-to-day?

More home games, easier and shorter road trips, and lower travel costs if you follow your student on the road. It also means grandparents and siblings have a realistic shot at watching in person — not just following along online.

Will my child’s scholarship or financial aid be affected?

No. Current student-athletes’ scholarships and financial aid remain unchanged throughout this move.

Is CBU still a strong academic environment?

Very much so. The Mid-South Conference’s average student-athlete GPA (3.28) essentially matches the NAIA’s overall average (3.27) — this is a serious academic environment, not just an athletic one.

Why did CBU decide to leave NCAA Division II?

After evaluating student-athlete experience, travel demands, cost, institutional mission, and competitive positioning, the CBU Board of Trustees approved a plan to pursue NAIA membership — specifically in the Mid-South Conference — as the best long-term fit for our student-athletes. The NAIA is expected to finalize CBU’s application during its fall meeting in late September 2026.

How does this benefit me as a recruit?

A regional conference means more realistic postseason opportunities, more roster spots as CBU’s program grows, and a schedule that protects your academic performance. You’ll also be joining a program at CBU during a period of real momentum.

Has CBU ever been in the NAIA before?

Yes. CBU competed in the NAIA for nearly four decades and built a rich history including conference championships, national tournament appearances, All-Americans, and Hall of Fame coaches and student-athletes.

Is CBU abandoning its athletics tradition?

No — this is an evolution of that tradition, not a departure from it. CBU spent nearly four decades in the NAIA and built a legacy of championships, All-Americans, and Hall of Fame honorees there. We carry our tradition with us, coming home to where it all began.

How can I stay involved or support the program through this move?

Giving to CBU /Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement, alumni@cbu.edu. Alumni features and “Our NAIA History” storytelling will roll out over the first 90 days — we’d love your stories and memories as part of that.