15.01.3 Financial Aid Not Administered by Institution. Any student who receives financial aid other than that administered by the student-athlete's institution shall not be eligible for intercollegiate athletics competition, unless it is specifically approved under the Association's rules of amateurism (see Bylaw 12) or the aid is:

(a) Received from one upon whom the student-athlete is naturally or legally dependent; or

(b) Awarded solely on bases having no relationship to athletics ability; or

(c) Awarded through an established and continuing program to aid students under the conditions listed in Bylaw 15.2.6.4.

15.01.7 Sport-by-Sport Financial Aid Limitations. Division I may establish limitations on the number of financial aid awards a member institution may provide to countable student-athletes (counters) (see Bylaw 15.5).

15.01.8 Additional Financial Aid Limitations. The Committee on Academics shall have the authority to determine the circumstances that would require an institution or team that fails to satisfy the academic performance program to apply additional financial aid limitations. The Committee on Academics shall establish and annually publish to the membership such circumstances (see Bylaw 14.8).

15.02.3 Counter. A "counter" includes any individual who is receiving institutional financial aid that is countable against the aid limitations in a sport. Unless an exception is satisfied, once a student-athlete becomes a counter, the student-athlete remains a counter for the entire academic year. Further, an undergraduate four-year transfer awarded or issued athletically related financial aid in the academic year of initial, full-time enrollment at the certifying institution shall be a counter for the period of the award (see Bylaw 15.3.3.3) unless a provision of Bylaw 15.5.1.2.1 is met.

15.02.3.1 Replacement of Counter. An institution may apply a legislated exception to replace a counter who is no longer participating with the program and the replaced student-athlete shall not be a counter for the remainder of the academic year.

15.02.5.3 Other Permissible Financial Aid. The following sources of financial aid are also permitted:

(a) Financial aid received from anyone upon whom the student-athlete is naturally or legally dependent;

(b) Financial aid awarded solely on bases having no relationship to athletics ability;

(c) Financial aid awarded through an established and continuing outside program as outlined in Bylaw 15.2.6.4; and

(d) Educational expenses awarded by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which count against an institution's sport-by-sport financial aid limitations and against the individual's maximum limit on financial aid.

15.02.5.4 Exempted Institutional Financial Aid. The following institutional financial aid is exempt and is not counted in determining the institution's financial aid limitations:

(a) An institutional need-based grant awarded based solely on demonstrated financial need, as determined for all students by the institution’s financial aid office using methodologies that conform to federal, state and institutional guidelines. However, such aid is not exempted for purposes of determining a football or basketball student-athlete's counter status pursuant to Bylaw 15.5.1.1;

(b) A nondiscretionary institutional merit-based award with no relationship to athletics ability awarded based on documented criteria that apply to all students. However, such aid is not exempt for purposes of determining a football or basketball student-athlete’s counter status pursuant to Bylaw 15.5.1.1;

(c) An honorary award for outstanding academic achievement or an established institutional research grant that meets the criteria set forth in Bylaw 15.02.7 (and must be included in determining if the student-athlete's cost of attendance has been met);

(d) A postgraduate scholarship awarded by an institution in accordance with Bylaw 16.1.4.1.1;

(e) Federal government grants awarded based on a student's demonstrated financial need [e.g., Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grant (SEOG)], regardless of whether the institution is responsible for selecting the recipient or determining the amount of aid, or providing matching or supplementary funds for a previously determined recipient;

(f) State government grants awarded based on a student's demonstrated financial need, regardless of whether the institution is responsible for selecting the recipient or determining the amount of aid, or providing matching or supplementary funds for a previously determined recipient, provided the aid is administered in accordance with the federal methodology for determining a student's financial need and has no relationship to athletics ability. However, such aid is not exempt for purposes of determining a football or basketball student-athlete's counter status pursuant to Bylaw 15.5.1.1;

(g) State government merit-based grants, regardless of whether the institution is responsible for selecting the recipient or determining the amount of aid, or providing matching or supplementary funds for a previously determined recipient, provided the aid is awarded consistent with the criteria of Bylaws 15.5.3.2.4.1, 15.5.3.2.4.2 or 15.5.3.2.4.3 and has no relationship to athletics ability. However, such aid is not exempt for purposes of determining a football or basketball student-athlete's counter status pursuant to Bylaw 15.5.1.1; and

(h) Contributions made by the institution and matching payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program [see Bylaw 15.2.5.1-(e)].

15.02.5.5 Exempted Government Grants. Government grants listed in Bylaw 15.2.5.1 shall not be included when determining the cost of attendance for a student-athlete.

15.02.5.6 Operation Gold Grant. Funds administered by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee pursuant to its Operation Gold Grant program shall not be included when determining the cost of attendance for a student-athlete.

15.02.7 Honorary Academic Award/Research Grant. An honorary academic award for outstanding academic achievement or a research grant is an award that meets the following criteria:

(a) The award or grant is a standing scholarship award or an established research grant;

(b) The basis for the award or grant shall be the candidate's academic record at the awarding institution;

(c) The award or grant shall be determined by competition among the students of a particular class or college of the institution. Competition for the award or grant may include additional objective criteria unrelated to athletics abilities (e.g., gender, race and ethnicity, financial need); and

(d) The award or grant is included in determining if the student-athlete's cost-of-attendance limitation has been met.

15.02.9 Recruited Student-Athlete. For purposes of Bylaw 15, a recruited student-athlete is a student-athlete who, as a prospective student-athlete:

(a) Was provided an official visit to the institution's campus;

(b) Had an arranged, in-person, off-campus encounter with a member of the institution's coaching staff (including a coach's arranged, in-person, off-campus encounter with the prospective student-athlete or the prospective student-athlete's family members); or

(c) Was issued a written offer of athletically related financial aid by the institution for a regular academic term.

15.2.1.1 Permissible Fees. A student-athlete may be awarded financial aid that covers the payment of fees for a course in which the student-athlete is enrolled, if the course is part of the institution's regular curriculum (included in the institution's catalog of classes), and the institution pays these same fees for other students enrolled in the course who receive fees as a part of a grant-in-aid or scholarship.

15.2.1.2 Optional Fees. An institution may not pay fees for services offered on an optional basis to the student body in general.

15.2.1.3 Noninstitutional Fees and Expenses. Fees paid by an institution are confined to required institutional fees and do not include noninstitutional fees or expenses (e.g., the cost of typing reports for student-athletes).

15.2.6 Financial Aid From Outside Sources.

15.2.6.1 Family Members. A student-athlete may receive financial aid from anyone upon whom the student-athlete is naturally or legally dependent.

15.2.6.1.1 Prepaid College Tuition Plans. A state-sponsored or private prepaid college tuition plan, purchased by a family member and paid to an institution on behalf of a student-athlete, is not considered aid from an outside source. Such aid is considered financial aid from someone upon whom the student-athlete is naturally or legally dependent.

15.2.6.2 No Relationship to Athletics Ability. A student-athlete may receive financial aid awarded solely on bases having no relationship to athletics ability.

15.2.6.3 Athletically Related Financial Aid From an Established and Continuing Program -- Up to $1,000. A student-athlete may receive up to a total of $1,000 of athletically related outside financial aid per academic year, without restrictions, through one or more established and continuing programs to aid students.

15.2.6.4 Athletically Related Financial Aid From an Established and Continuing Program -- Aid Exceeding $1,000. Each academic year, after a student-athlete has received $1,000 of athletically related outside financial aid, the student-athlete may receive additional athletically related outside financial aid through an established and continuing program to aid students without the additional aid counting in the institution's financial aid limitations, provided:

(a) The recipient's choice of institutions is not restricted by the donor of the aid;

(b) There is no direct connection between the donor and the student-athlete's institution; and

(c) The financial aid is not provided by an outside sports team or organization that conducts a competitive sports program to an individual who is or has been a member of that team or organization.

If any of the conditions are not satisfied and the student-athlete receives the additional athletically related outside financial aid, the recipient shall be considered a counter per Bylaw 15.5.1, and the amount shall be applied to the maximum awards limitation of Bylaw 15.5 for the sport in question.

15.2.7 Employment. Earnings from a student-athlete's on- or off-campus employment that occurs at any time is exempt and is not counted in determining a student-athlete's cost of attendance or in the institution's financial aid limitations, provided:

(a) The student-athlete's compensation does not include any remuneration for value or utility that the student-athlete may have for the employer because of the publicity, reputation, fame or personal following obtained because of athletics ability;

(b) The student-athlete is compensated only for work actually performed; and

(c) The student-athlete is compensated at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services (see Bylaw 12.4).

(d) The recipient shall be considered a counter per Bylaw 15.5.1, and the amount shall be applied to the maximum awards limitation of Bylaw 15.5 for the sport in question.

15.2.8.2 Branch School. An institution may not provide a student-athlete with financial aid to attend a summer session at a branch campus of the institution.

15.3.1.4 Institutional Financial Aid to Professional Athlete. It is permissible to award institutional financial aid to a student-athlete who is under contract to or currently receiving compensation from a professional sports organization in the same sport. A professional athlete in one sport may represent a member institution in a different sport and may receive institutional financial assistance in the second sport.

15.3.3.3 Undergraduate Four-Year College Transfers. If an undergraduate four-year college transfer student's athletics ability is considered in any degree in awarding financial aid and such aid is received or issued in the academic year of initial, full-time enrollment at the certifying institution, such aid shall be awarded for a period no less than the student-athlete's five-year period of eligibility or until all requirements to receive a baccalaureate degree are completed, whichever occurs earlier.

15.3.4.1.2 Undergraduate Four-Year College Transfers. Institutional financial aid based in any degree on athletics ability awarded to an undergraduate four-year college transfer student in the academic year of initial full-time enrollment at the certifying institution may only be reduced or canceled during the period of the award if the recipient:

(a) Transfers to another institution (see Bylaw 14.5.2);

(b) Loses amateur status and is no longer eligible for intercollegiate competition in the applicable sport (see Bylaw 12.1.2);

(c) Does not meet any conditions affecting transfer status at the certifying institution (for nonathletically related reasons) by the first regular term of the student-athlete's aid agreement; or

(d) Is disqualified or suspended from receiving institutional financial aid by an institutional (as opposed to athletics department) proceeding (e.g., disciplinary process). However, the student shall remain a counter for the period of the award.

(See Bylaw 15.5.1.2.1 for exceptions to counter legislation for undergraduate four-year college transfers.)

15.5 Maximum Institutional Grant-in-Aid Limitations by Sport.

15.5.1 Counters. A student-athlete shall be a counter and included in the maximum awards limitations set forth in this bylaw under the following conditions:

(a) Athletics Aid. A student-athlete who receives financial aid based in any degree on athletics ability shall become a counter for the year during which the student-athlete receives the financial aid; or

(b) Educational Expenses -- Olympic Committee/National Governing Body. A student-athlete who receives educational expenses awarded by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee or a U.S. national governing body (or, for international student-athletes, expenses awarded by the equivalent organization of a foreign country) per Bylaw 15.2.6.5 shall become a counter for the year during which the student-athlete receives the aid.

15.5.1.1 Football or Basketball, Varsity Competition. In football or basketball, a student-athlete who was recruited (see Bylaw 15.02.9) by the awarding institution and who receives institutional financial aid (as set forth in Bylaw 15.02.5.2) granted without regard in any degree to athletics ability does not have to be counted until the student-athlete engages in varsity intercollegiate competition (as opposed to freshman, B-team, subvarsity, intramural or club competition) in those sports.

15.5.1.1.1 Exception -- Receipt of Institutional Academic Aid Only. In football or basketball, a student-athlete who was recruited (see Bylaw 15.02.9) by the awarding institution and whose only source of institutional financial aid is academic aid based solely on the recipient's academic record at the certifying institution, awarded independently of athletics interests and in amounts consistent with the pattern of all such awards made by the institution, may compete without counting in the institution's financial aid team limits, provided the student-athlete has completed at least one academic year of full-time enrollment at the certifying institution and has achieved a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.000 (on a 4.000 scale) at the certifying institution.

15.5.1.2 Undergraduate Four-Year College Transfers. An undergraduate four-year college transfer student who receives or is issued athletically related financial aid in the academic year of initial, full-time enrollment at the certifying institution shall be a counter for the period of the award (see Bylaw 15.3.3.3).

15.5.1.2.1 Exceptions. An undergraduate four-year transfer student shall not be considered a counter for the subsequent academic year if:

(a) The individual becomes medically disqualified pursuant to Bylaw 15.5.1.3;

(b) The individual transfers to another institution pursuant to Bylaw 14.5.2;

(c) The individual loses amateur status and is no longer eligible for intercollegiate competition in the applicable sport pursuant to Bylaw 12.1.2; or

(d) The individual's athletics aid is canceled pursuant to Bylaw 15.3.5.1.2-(c); or

(e) The individual voluntarily withdraws from the institution for nonathletically related reasons.

15.5.1.2.1.1 Return to Institution. If an undergraduate four-year transfer student-athlete who voluntarily withdraws for nonathletically related reasons reenrolls within the period of the original award (see Bylaw 15.3.3.3), the institution shall provide athletically related aid for the remainder of the period of the award. Such aid shall not count toward team limits unless the student-athlete practices or competes. If the student-athlete practices or competes, the institution shall be required to count the financial aid under the limitations of this bylaw in the sport in question during each academic year in which the financial aid was received since reenrollment.

15.5.1.3 Counter Who Becomes Injured or Ill. A counter who becomes injured or ill to the point that the individual apparently never again will be able to participate in intercollegiate athletics shall not be considered a counter beginning with the academic year following the incapacitating injury or illness.

15.5.1.3.1 Incapacitating Injury or Illness. If an incapacitating injury or illness occurs prior to a prospective student-athlete's or a student-athlete's participation in athletically related activities and results in the student-athlete's inability to compete ever again, the student-athlete shall not be counted within the institution's maximum financial aid award limitations for the current, as well as later, academic years. However, if the incapacitating injury or illness occurs on or after the student-athlete's participation in countable athletically related activities in the sport, the student-athlete shall be counted in the institution's maximum financial aid limitations for the current academic year but need not be counted in later academic years.

15.5.1.3.2 Change in Circumstances. If circumstances change and the student-athlete subsequently practices or competes at the institution at which the incapacitating injury or illness occurred, the student-athlete again shall become a counter, and the institution shall be required to count that financial aid under the limitations of this bylaw in the sport in question during each academic year in which the financial aid was received.

15.5.1.4 Aid Not Renewed, Successful Appeal. If an institution does not renew financial aid for a counter in a following year, and a hearing before the institution's regular financial aid authority results in a successful appeal for restoration of aid, the student-athlete shall continue to be a counter if the individual continues to receive athletically related financial aid. However, the student-athlete shall not be a counter if the student-athlete receives institutionally arranged or awarded, nonathletically related financial aid available to all students, provided such financial aid was granted or arranged without regard in any degree to athletics ability. If the student-athlete ever participates again in intercollegiate athletics at that institution, the student-athlete will be considered to have been a counter during each year the financial aid was received.

15.5.1.5 Cancellation of Aid. Once an individual becomes a counter in a head-count sport (see Bylaws 15.5.2, 15.5.4, 15.5.5, 15.5.6, 15.5.7 and 15.5.8), the individual normally continues as a counter for the remainder of the academic year. However, if the individual (other than an undergraduate four-year college transfer) voluntarily withdraws from the team prior to the first day of classes or before the first contest of the season (whichever is earlier) and releases the institution from its obligation to provide financial aid, the individual no longer would be considered a counter (see Bylaws 15.5.2.2 and 15.5.6.3.2).

15.5.1.6 Eligibility Exhausted. A student-athlete receiving institutional financial aid after having exhausted eligibility in a sport is not a counter in that sport in later academic years following completion of eligibility in the sport. The student-athlete must be otherwise eligible for the aid and is not permitted to take part in organized, institutional practice sessions in that sport unless the individual has eligibility remaining under the five-year rule. (See Bylaw 15.3.1 for eligibility for financial aid.) For this provision to be applicable to an undergraduate four-year college transfer, the individual shall not have eligibility remaining in the individual's five-year period of eligibility.

15.5.1.6.1 Cross Country/Track and Field. A student-athlete who is awarded athletically related financial aid and who has exhausted eligibility in either cross country, indoor track and field, or outdoor track and field, but has eligibility remaining in any of the other sports, is not a counter in the cross country/track and field financial aid limitations, provided the student-athlete subsequently does not practice or compete in any of the sports in which the student-athlete has eligibility remaining during the academic year in which the aid was awarded.

15.5.1.7 Student-Athlete Whose Five-Year Period of Eligibility Expires Midyear. In sports in which performance from the nonchampionship and championship segments is considered for NCAA championship qualification or selection, a student-athlete who receives athletically related financial aid is not a counter, provided:

(a) The student-athlete's five-year period of eligibility will expire before the NCAA championship in the applicable sport (e.g., end of fall semester); and

(b) The student-athlete does not compete in the involved sport during that academic year.

For this provision to be applicable to an undergraduate four-year college transfer, the individual must have completed all requirements to receive a baccalaureate degree.

15.5.1.8 Aid After Departure of Head Coach. A student-athlete who receives athletically related institutional financial aid in academic years after the departure of a head coach from the institution is not a counter in a year in which the student-athlete does not participate in intercollegiate athletics, provided:

(a) The student-athlete participated in the applicable sport and received athletically related institutional financial aid during the coach's tenure at the institution; and

(b) The student-athlete does not participate in the applicable sport beyond the next regular academic year (including completion of the championship season in spring sports) after the departure of the head coach.

15.5.1.8.1 Subsequent Participation. If the student-athlete subsequently participates in the applicable sport at the institution, the student-athlete shall become a counter for all years during which athletically related institutional aid was received.

15.5.1.9 Aid After Student-Athlete Becomes Permanently Ineligible. A student-athlete receiving institutional financial aid after becoming permanently ineligible due to a violation of NCAA regulations (e.g., amateurism legislation) may receive athletics aid during later academic years without counting in the institution's financial aid limitations, provided the student-athlete is otherwise eligible for the aid and does not practice or compete in intercollegiate athletics again. If circumstances change and the student-athlete practices or competes, the institution is required to count the financial aid received by the student-athlete during each academic year in which the aid was received (see Bylaw 15.3.1.4).

15.5.1.10 Summer-Term Aid. Institutional financial aid received during a summer term is not countable in these limitations and does not make a student-athlete a counter.

15.5.1.10.1 Exception -- Football. In football, an individual who receives athletically related financial aid during a summer term prior to initial full-time enrollment at the certifying institution shall be an overall counter for the ensuing academic year. (See Bylaws 15.02.3 and 15.5.6.)

15.5.1.11 Offers Exceeding Maximum Allowable Awards. An institution may offer more than the maximum number of permissible awards in a sport (per Bylaw 15.5) in anticipation that not all of the offers will be accepted, but the institution shall not exceed the awards limitation in the sport in question.

15.5.2 Head-Count Sports Other Than Football and Basketball.

15.5.2.1 Maximum Limits. An institution shall be limited in any academic year to the total number of counters (head count) in each of the following sports:

15.5.2.2 Preseason Voluntary Withdrawal. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year transfer who withdraws for athletically related reasons or who has not withdrawn from the institution) who voluntarily withdraws from the team in a head-count sport other than football or basketball by providing the financial aid to another student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team. For this replacement to occur, the counter must withdraw prior to the first day of classes or before the first game of the season, whichever is earlier, and, for students other than an undergraduate four-year transfer, release the institution from its obligation to provide financial aid. The institution may not award the financial aid to another student-athlete in the academic term in which the aid was reduced or canceled. Further, if the financial aid is canceled before a regular academic term (e.g., preseason practice period), the aid may not be provided to another student-athlete during the ensuing academic term.

15.5.2.3 Voluntary Withdrawal From the Institution During the Academic Year. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year transfer who withdraws for athletically related reasons) who voluntarily withdraws from the institution during the academic year by providing the financial aid to another student-athlete, including an incoming student-athlete, beginning with the ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, winter or spring quarter) without making the second student-athlete a counter for the remainder of that academic year.

15.5.2.4 Midyear Replacement -- Women's Volleyball. In women's volleyball, the financial aid of a counter who graduates at midyear or who graduates during the previous academic year (including summer) may be provided to another student-athlete and the replaced student-athlete shall not be a counter for the remainder of that academic year.

15.5.2.5 Midyear Graduate Replacement -- Women's Gymnastics and Women's Tennis. In women's gymnastics and women's tennis, the financial aid of a counter who graduates at midyear with eligibility remaining and who does not return to the institution for the following academic term may be provided to another student-athlete. The replaced student-athlete shall not be a counter for the remainder of the academic year.

15.5.2.6 Academic Study Abroad Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time study abroad program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.3 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.2.7 Internship or Cooperative Educational Work Experience Program Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time internship or cooperative educational work experience program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.4 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.2.8 Replacement of an Ineligible Student-Athlete. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year college transfer) whose aid is canceled because the student-athlete was rendered ineligible for intercollegiate competition during a particular academic term (e.g., fall semester, winter quarter) by providing the financial aid to another student in the ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, spring quarter).

15.5.3 Equivalency Sports.

15.5.3.1 Maximum Equivalency Limits.

15.5.3.1.1 Men's Sports. There shall be a limit on the value (equivalency) of financial aid awards (per Bylaw 15.02.5.2) that an institution may provide in an academic year to counters in the following men's sports:

15.5.3.1.1.1 Minimum Equivalency Value -- Men's Wrestling. In men's wrestling, an institution shall provide each counter athletically related and other countable financial aid that is equal to or greater than 20 percent of an equivalency.

15.5.3.1.1.1.1 Exception -- Need-Based Athletics Aid Only. In men's wrestling, an institution that awards athletically related financial aid based solely on demonstrated financial need, as determined for all students by the institution's financial aid office using methodologies that conform to federal, state and written institutional guidelines (including institutional financial aid that is considered athletically related financial aid based on the intervention of athletics department staff), is not subject to the 20 percent minimum equivalency value per counter.

15.5.3.1.1.1.2 Exception -- Final Two Years of Eligibility and Not Previously Aided. An institution may provide less than 20 percent of an equivalency to a student-athlete, provided the student-athlete is in the final two years of eligibility and has not previously received athletically related financial aid in men's wrestling at any collegiate institution.

15.5.3.1.2 Women's Sports. There shall be a limit on the value (equivalency) of financial aid awards (per Bylaw 15.02.5.2) that an institution may provide in any academic year to counters in the following women's sports:

15.5.3.1.3 Maximum Equivalency Limits -- Institutions That Sponsor Cross Country but Do Not Sponsor Track and Field. There shall be a limit of five on the value (equivalency) of financial aid awards (per Bylaw 15.02.5.2) that an institution may provide in any academic year to counters in men's cross country, if the institution does not sponsor indoor or outdoor track and field for men. There shall be a limit of six on the value (equivalency) of financial aid awards (per Bylaw 15.02.5.2) that an institution may provide in any academic year to counters in women's cross country, if the institution does not sponsor indoor or outdoor track and field for women.

15.5.3.1.4 Midyear Replacement -- Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, Track and Field and Men's Water Polo. In cross country, field hockey, soccer, track and field and men's water polo, financial aid equal to the countable financial aid provided to a counter who graduates at midyear or who graduates during the previous academic year (including summer) and has exhausted eligibility but remains enrolled at the institution may be provided to another student-athlete, who shall be a counter for the remainder of that academic year. Other financial aid provided to the student-athlete that would otherwise be countable is excluded from the team's maximum equivalency limits for the remainder of the academic year.

15.5.3.1.5 Voluntary Withdrawal From the Institution During the Academic Year -- Undergraduate Four-Year Transfer. Financial aid equal to the countable financial aid provided to an undergraduate four-year transfer who voluntarily withdraws from the institution for nonathletically related reasons during the academic year may be provided to another student-athlete, including an incoming student-athlete, beginning with the ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, winter or spring quarter) without making the second student-athlete a counter for the remainder of that academic year.

15.5.3.2 Equivalency Computations. In equivalency sports, each institutional financial aid award (per Bylaw 15.02.5.2) to a counter shall be computed as follows:

(a) Once a student becomes a counter, the institution shall count all institutional aid (per Bylaw 15.02.5.2) received up to the value of a full grant-in-aid. Exempted government grants per Bylaw 15.2.5 and exempted institutional aid per Bylaw 15.02.5.4 specifically are excluded from this computation.

(b) A fraction shall be created, with the amount received by the student-athlete (up to the value of a full grant-in-aid) as the numerator and the full grant-in-aid value for that student-athlete as the denominator based on the actual cost or average cost of a full grant for all students at that institution.

(c) The sum of all fractional and maximum awards received by counters shall not exceed the total limit for the sport in question for the academic year as a whole.

15.5.3.2.1 Application to Autonomy Conferences. A member institution of one of the conferences named in Bylaw 9.2.2.1.1 shall use a full grant-in-aid in its equivalency computations as defined in Bylaw 15.02.6. The elements of a grant-in-aid are tuition and fees, living expenses, books, and other expenses related to attendance at the institution.

15.5.3.2.2 Application to Other Conferences. A member institution of a conference other than those named in Bylaw 9.2.2.1.1 may use a full grant-in-aid in its equivalency computations as defined in Bylaw 15.02.6 or one that consists of tuition and fees, living expenses, and required course-related books, subject to the discretion of its conference pursuant to Bylaw 9.2.2.1.2.2. If the institution uses a full grant-in-aid that consists of tuition and fees, living expenses, and required course-related books, financial aid unrelated to athletics ability received by a student-athlete in excess of a full grant-in-aid shall not be included in the equivalency computation.

15.5.3.2.3 Additional Requirements. The following additional requirements shall apply to equivalency computations:

(a) An institution may use either the actual cost or average cost of any or all the elements (other than books) of the equivalency calculation, provided the same method is used in both the numerator and denominator for each element. Either method (or different combinations of methods among elements) may be used for each student-athlete on the same team or for separate teams generally.

(b) In computing equivalencies for tuition and fees, it is not permissible to average the value of in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees to determine an average cost for tuition and fees.

(c) Books shall count for calculation purposes as $800 in the denominator. If a student-athlete receives any portion of a book allowance for the academic year, the institution must use $800 in the denominator and numerator for books, regardless of the actual cost of the books. If a student-athlete is enrolled for less than a full academic year (e.g., one semester, one or two quarters) and receives any portion of a book allowance, the institution must use the amount in the numerator that is proportionate to the number of terms of enrollment ($400 for semester systems, $534 or $267 for quarter systems).

15.5.3.2.4 Exceptions.

15.5.3.2.4.1 Academic Honor Awards -- Based on High School Record. Academic honor awards that are part of an institution’s normal arrangements for academic scholarships, based solely on the recipient’s high school record and awarded independently of athletics interests and in amounts consistent with the pattern of all such awards made by the institution, are exempt from an institution’s equivalency computations, provided the recipient was ranked in the upper 10 percent of the high school graduating class or achieved a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.500 (based on a maximum of 4.000) or a minimum ACT sum score of 105 or a minimum SAT score of 1200 (critical reading and math) for SAT tests taken before March 1, 2016; or a minimum SAT score of 1270 (critical reading and math) for tests taken on or after March 1, 2016, based on the concordance determined by the College Board.

15.5.3.2.4.1.1 Additional Requirements. The following additional requirements shall be met:

(a) The awards may include additional, nonacademic criteria (e.g., interviews, essays, need analysis), provided the additional criteria are not based on athletics ability, participation or interests, and the awards are consistent with the pattern of all such awards provided to all students;

(b) No quota of awards shall be designated for student-athletes;

(c) Athletics participation shall not be required before or after collegiate enrollment;

(d) No athletics department staff member shall be involved in designating the recipients of such awards; and

(e) Any additional criteria shall not include athletics ability, participation or interests.

15.5.3.2.4.1.2 Renewals. The renewal of an academic honor award (per Bylaw 15.5.3.2.4.1) may be exempted from an institution’s equivalency computation regardless of whether the recipient qualified for exemption in the initial academic year enrollment, provided:

(a) The recipient achieves a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.000 (based on a maximum of 4.000) at the certifying institution; and

(b) The recipient meets all NCAA, conference and institutional progress-toward-degree requirements.

15.5.3.2.4.2 Academic Honor Awards -- Transfer Students. Academic honor awards that are part of an institution’s normal arrangements for academic scholarships, either based solely on the recipient’s cumulative academic record from all collegiate institutions previously attended or based on the recipient’s high school record and cumulative academic record from all collegiate institutions previously attended, awarded independently of athletics interests and in amounts consistent with the pattern of all such awards made by the institution, may be exempted from a team’s equivalency computation, provided the recipient achieved a cumulative transferable grade-point average of at least 3.000 (based on a maximum of 4.000).

15.5.3.2.4.2.1 Calculation of Grade-Point Average. Grades earned in all courses that are normally transferable to an institution shall be considered in determining the grade-point average for meeting this exception, regardless of the grade earned or whether such grade makes the course unacceptable for transferable-degree credit.

15.5.3.2.4.2.2 Renewals. The renewal of an academic honor award (per Bylaw 15.5.3.2.4.2) may be exempted from an institution’s equivalency computation, provided:

(a) The recipient achieves a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.000 (based on a maximum of 4.000) at the certifying institution; and

(b) The recipient meets all NCAA, conference and institutional progress-toward-degree requirements.

15.5.3.2.4.3 Institutional Academic Scholarships. Institutional academic scholarships that are part of an institution’s normal arrangements for academic scholarships, based solely on the recipient’s academic record at the certifying institution, awarded independently of athletics interests and in amounts consistent with the pattern of all such awards made by the institution, are exempt from an institution’s equivalency computation, provided the recipient has completed at least one academic year of full-time enrollment at the certifying institution and has achieved a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.000 (on a 4.000 scale) at the certifying institution.

15.5.3.2.4.4 Academic Study Abroad Exception. All countable financial aid of a student-athlete who is participating in a full-time study-abroad program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.3 is exempt from an institution’s equivalency computation.  Countable financial aid in an amount equal to the countable financial aid provided to the participating student-athlete may be provided to a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team for the term or terms of participation in the study-abroad program.

15.5.3.2.4.5 Internship or Cooperative Educational Work Experience Program Exception. All countable financial aid of a student-athlete who is participating in a full-time internship or cooperative educational work experience program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.4 is exempt from an institution’s equivalency computation. Countable financial aid in an amount equal to the countable financial aid provided to the participating student-athlete may be provided to a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team for the term or terms of participation in the internship or cooperative educational work experience program.

15.5.3.2.5 Cancellation of Athletically Related Aid. If a student-athlete is dismissed from or voluntarily withdraws from a team and the student-athlete's athletically related financial aid is canceled (see Bylaws 15.3.2.3, 15.3.4.2 and 15.3.4.1) during an academic term, all other countable financial aid the student-athlete receives during the remainder of the term is countable toward the student-athlete’s equivalency for the academic year; however, the institution is not required to count other countable financial aid toward the student-athlete’s equivalency during any remaining terms of the academic year. If a student-athlete is dismissed from or voluntarily withdraws from a team and the student-athlete's athletically related financial aid is canceled at the end of an academic term, the institution is not required to count other countable financial aid toward the student-athlete’s equivalency during any remaining terms of the academic year.

15.5.4 Baseball Limitations. There shall be an annual limit of 11.7 on the value of financial aid awards (equivalencies) to counters and an annual limit of 27 on the total number of counters in baseball.

15.5.4.1 Minimum Equivalency Value. An institution shall provide each counter athletically related and other countable financial aid that is equal to or greater than 25 percent of an equivalency.

15.5.4.1.1 Exception -- Need-Based Athletics Aid Only. In baseball, an institution that awards athletically related financial aid based solely on demonstrated financial need, as determined for all students by the institution's financial aid office using methodologies that conform to federal, state and written institutional guidelines (including institutional financial aid that is considered athletically related financial aid based on the intervention of athletics department staff), is not subject to the 25 percent minimum equivalency value per counter.

15.5.4.1.2 Exception -- Final Year of Eligibility and Not Previously Aided. An institution may provide less than 25 percent of an equivalency to a student-athlete, provided the student-athlete is in the final year of eligibility and has not previously received athletically related financial aid in baseball at any collegiate institution.

15.5.4.2 Academic Study Abroad Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time study abroad program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.3 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.4.3 Internship or Cooperative Educational Work Experience Program Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time internship or cooperative educational work experience program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.4 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.4.4 Voluntary Withdrawal From the Institution During the Academic Year. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year transfer who withdraws for athletically related reasons) who voluntarily withdraws from the institution during the academic year by providing the financial aid to another student-athlete, including an incoming student-athlete, beginning with the ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, winter or spring quarter) without making the second student-athlete a counter for the remainder of that academic year.

15.5.5 Basketball Limitations.

15.5.5.1 Men's Basketball. There shall be a limit of 13 on the total number of counters in men's basketball at each institution.

15.5.5.1.1 Academic Study Abroad Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time study abroad program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.3 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.5.1.2 Internship or Cooperative Educational Work Experience Program Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time internship or cooperative educational work experience program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.4 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.5.2 Women's Basketball. There shall be an annual limit of 15 on the total number of counters in women's basketball at each institution.

15.5.5.2.1 Academic Study Abroad Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time study abroad program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.3 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.5.2.2 Internship or Cooperative Educational Work Experience Program Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time internship or cooperative educational work experience program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.4 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.5.3 Voluntary Withdrawal From the Institution During the Academic Year. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year transfer who withdraws for athletically related reasons) who voluntarily withdraws from the institution during the academic year by providing the financial aid to another student-athlete, including an incoming student-athlete, beginning with the ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, winter or spring quarter) without making the second student-athlete a counter for the remainder of that academic year.

15.5.5.4 Replacement of an Ineligible Student-Athlete. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year college transfer) whose aid is canceled because the student-athlete was rendered ineligible for intercollegiate competition during a particular academic term (e.g., fall semester, winter quarter) by providing the financial aid to another student in the ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, spring quarter).

15.5.6 Football Limitations.

15.5.6.1 Bowl Subdivision Football. There shall be an annual limit of 85 on the total number of counters in football at each institution.

15.5.6.2 Championship Subdivision Football. There shall be an annual limit of 63 on the value of financial aid awards (equivalencies) to counters and an annual limit of 85 on the total number of counters in football at each Football Championship Subdivision institution.

15.5.6.2.1 Exception -- Championship Subdivision. Championship subdivision football programs that meet the following criteria are exempt from the championship subdivision football counter requirements of Bylaws 15.5.1 and 15.5.6, regardless of multisport student-athletes who receive athletics aid in a sport other than football:

(a) In football, the institution awards financial aid only to student-athletes who demonstrate financial need, except loans, academic honor awards, nonathletics achievement awards, or certain aid from outside sources may be provided without regard to financial need;

(b) The institution uses methodologies for analyzing need that conform to federal, state and written institutional guidelines. The methodologies used to determine the need of a student-athlete must be consistent with the methodologies used by the institution's financial aid office for all students; and

(c) The composition of the financial aid package offered to football student-athletes is consistent with the policy established for offering financial assistance to all students. The financial aid packages for football student-athletes also shall meet the following criteria:

(1) The institution shall not consider athletics ability as a criterion in the formulation of any football student-athlete's financial aid package; and

(2) The procedures used to award financial aid to football student-athletes must be the same as the existing financial aid procedures used for all students at the institution.

15.5.6.3 Exceptions.

15.5.6.3.1 Midyear Replacement. The financial aid of a counter who graduates at midyear or who graduates during the previous academic year (including summer) may be provided to another student-athlete and the replaced student-athlete shall not be a counter for the remainder of that academic year. In bowl subdivision football, an institution may use the midyear replacement exception only if it previously has provided financial aid during that academic year to the maximum number of overall counters (85 total counters). In championship subdivision football, an institution may use the midyear replacement exception only if it previously has provided financial aid during that academic year that equals the maximum number of overall equivalencies or overall counters.

15.5.6.3.2 Preseason Voluntary Withdrawal. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year college transfer who withdraws for athletically related reasons or who has not withdrawn from the institution) who voluntarily withdraws from the football team by providing the financial aid to another student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the football squad. For this replacement to occur, the counter must withdraw prior to the first day of classes or the first game of the season, whichever is earlier, and, for students other than an undergraduate four-year transfer, provide the institution with a signed statement releasing the institution from its obligation to provide institutional financial aid and verifying the voluntary nature of the withdrawal. The institution may immediately (beginning with the fall term) award the financial aid to a student-athlete who has been a member of the team for at least one academic year and has not previously received athletically related financial aid. A student-athlete who has not been a member of the team for at least one academic year may not receive the financial aid during the fall term, but may receive it in an ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, winter quarter).

15.5.6.3.3 Voluntary Withdrawal From the Institution During the Academic Year. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year college transfer who withdraws for athletically related reasons) who voluntarily withdraws from the institution during the academic year by providing the financial aid to another student-athlete, including an incoming student-athlete, beginning with the ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, winter or spring quarter) without making the second student-athlete a counter for the remainder of that academic year. If the departing student-athlete is not an undergraduate four-year transfer, the replaced student-athlete's aid may be canceled upon the institution's receipt of a signed statement from the student-athlete releasing the institution from its obligation to provide institutional financial aid and verifying the voluntary nature of the withdrawal. If such a statement is received, a hearing opportunity (per Bylaw 15.3.2.3) is not required.

15.5.6.3.4 Replacement of an Ineligible Student-Athlete. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year college transfer) whose aid is canceled because the student-athlete was rendered ineligible for intercollegiate competition during a particular academic term (e.g., fall semester, winter quarter) by providing the financial aid to another student in the ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, spring quarter).

15.5.6.3.5 Academic Study Abroad Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time study abroad program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.3 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.6.3.6 Internship or Cooperative Educational Work Experience Program Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time internship or cooperative educational work experience program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.4 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.6.3.7 Sprint Football. Participants in sprint football programs who do not participate in the institution's regular varsity intercollegiate program shall not be counted in the institution's financial aid limitations.

15.5.7 Ice Hockey Limitations. There shall be an annual limit of 18 on the value of financial aid awards (equivalencies) to counters and an annual limit of 30 on the total number of counters in ice hockey at each institution.

15.5.7.1 Academic Study Abroad Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time study abroad program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.3 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.7.2 Internship or Cooperative Educational Work Experience Program Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time internship or cooperative educational work experience program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.4 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.7.3 Voluntary Withdrawal From the Institution During the Academic Year. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year transfer who withdraws for athletically related reasons) who voluntarily withdraws from the institution during the academic year by providing the financial aid to another student-athlete, including an incoming student-athlete, beginning with the ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, winter or spring quarter) without making the second student-athlete a counter for the remainder of that academic year.

15.5.8 Women's Beach Volleyball Limitations.

15.5.8.1 Institutions That Sponsor Women's Beach Volleyball and Women's Volleyball. If an institution sponsors women's beach volleyball and women's volleyball, there shall be an annual limit of six on the value of financial aid awards (equivalencies) provided to counters and an annual limit of 14 on the total number of counters in women's beach volleyball.

15.5.8.2 Institutions That Sponsor Women's Beach Volleyball but Do Not Sponsor Women's Volleyball. If an institution does not sponsor women's volleyball, there shall be an annual limit of eight on the value of financial aid awards (equivalencies) provided to counters and an annual limit of 14 on the total number of counters in women's beach volleyball.

15.5.8.3 Academic Study Abroad Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time study abroad program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.3 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.8.4 Internship or Cooperative Educational Work Experience Program Replacement. A student-athlete who is participating in a full-time internship or cooperative educational work experience program pursuant to Bylaw 12.8.1.4 may be replaced as a counter for the term or terms of participation by a student who already has enrolled in the institution and is a member of the team.

15.5.8.5 Voluntary Withdrawal From the Institution During the Academic Year. An institution may replace a counter (other than an undergraduate four-year transfer who withdraws for athletically related reasons) who voluntarily withdraws from the institution during the academic year by providing the financial aid to another student-athlete, including an incoming student-athlete, beginning with the ensuing term (e.g., spring semester, winter or spring quarter) without making the second student-athlete a counter for the remainder of that academic year.

15.5.9 Multisport Participants.

15.5.9.1 Football. In football, a counter who was recruited (per Bylaw 15.02.9) and/or offered financial aid to participate in football and who participates (practices or competes) in football and one or more sports (including basketball) shall be counted in football. A counter who was not recruited (per Bylaw 15.02.9) and/or offered financial aid to participate in football and who competes in football and one or more sports (including basketball) shall be counted in football.

15.5.9.1.1 Championship Subdivision Football Exception. A counter who practices or competes in football at a Football Championship Subdivision institution that elects to use the football counter exception set forth in Bylaw 15.5.6.2.1 and who practices or competes in another sport and receives countable financial aid in another sport shall be counted in the institution’s financial aid limitations in the other sport.

15.5.9.2 Basketball. A counter who practices or competes in basketball and one or more other sports (other than football) shall be counted in basketball.

15.5.9.3 Men's Ice Hockey. A counter who practices or competes in men's ice hockey and one or more other sports (other than football or basketball) shall be counted in men's ice hockey.

15.5.9.4 Men's Swimming and Diving/Men's Water Polo. A counter who practices or competes in both men's swimming and diving and men's water polo shall be counted in men's swimming and diving, unless the individual counts in football or basketball.

15.5.9.5 Women's Volleyball. A counter who practices or competes in women's volleyball and one or more other sports (other than basketball) shall be counted in women's volleyball.

15.5.9.5.1 Participation in Women's Volleyball in Second Year of Enrollment After Counter Status in Women's Beach Volleyball in First Year of Enrollment. A student-athlete who was a counter in women's beach volleyball during the student-athlete's initial year of full-time enrollment at the certifying institution and participates (practices and competes) in women's volleyball during the student-athlete's second year of full-time enrollment at the certifying institution shall be a counter in women's volleyball for the student-athlete's initial year of full-time enrollment at the certifying institution.

15.5.9.6 Two-Year Exception. If an individual has participated in a sport other than basketball or women's volleyball for two years or more since the individual's initial collegiate enrollment and would be involved only in basketball or women's volleyball practice sessions, such a student would not become a counter in those sports until the student actually competes as a member of the institution's intercollegiate team, at either the varsity or junior varsity level.

15.5.9.7 Other Sports. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a counter who participates in two or more sports shall be counted in one of the sports but shall not be counted in the others.

15.5.9.7.1 Requirement to Qualify as Multisport Athlete. To be considered a multisport athlete under this section, an individual must meet all of the following requirements:

(a) The individual shall report and participate fully in regularly organized practice with each squad;

(b) The individual shall participate where qualified in actual competition in each sport;

(c) The individual shall be a member of each squad for the entire playing and practice season; and

(d) If a recruited student-athlete (per Bylaw 15.02.9), the individual shall have been earnestly recruited to participate in the sport in which financial aid is counted (the institution recruiting the student-athlete shall have a reasonable basis to believe that the student-athlete is capable of participating in the institution's varsity intercollegiate program in that sport, including documentation of a record of previous participation in organized competition in the sport that supports the student-athlete's potential to participate in that sport in varsity intercollegiate competition).

15.5.10 Changes in Participation. If a student-athlete changes sports during an academic year, the student-athlete's financial aid shall be counted in the maximum limitations for the first sport for the remainder of the academic year. If the student-athlete continues to receive financial aid, the award shall be counted the next academic year against the maximum limitations in the second sport.

15.5.11 Squad List.

15.5.11.1 Eligibility Requirement. To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete shall be included on the institution's squad-list form. [D]

15.5.11.2 Squad-List Form. The institution shall compile a list of the squad members in each sport on the first day of competition and shall indicate thereon the status of each member in the categories listed (see Bylaw 12.10.2). [D]

15.5.11.2.1 Procedures. The following procedures shall be used for the squad list: [D]

(a) The form shall be available for examination upon request by an authorized representative of another member institution, the NCAA, and, if the institution is a member of a conference, an authorized representative of the conference;

(b) A supplementary form may be filed to add names of persons not initially on the squad or to indicate a change of status;

(c) A student-athlete's name must be on the official institutional form to qualify to represent the institution in intercollegiate athletics; and

(d) The athletics director (or designee, who may not be a coaching staff member) shall sign the form for each sport. The head coach in each sport shall sign the form for the applicable sport.

15.5.11.3 Drug-Testing Consent-Form Requirement. Any student-athlete who signs a drug-testing consent form must be included on the institution's squad-list form, and any student-athlete who is included on the squad-list form must have signed a drug-testing consent form pursuant to Bylaw 12.7.3. [D]

15.5.11.3.1 Exception -- 14-Day Grace Period. An institution is not required to place a student-athlete who is trying out for a team on the squad-list form for 14 days from the first date the student engages in countable athletically related activities or until the institution's first competition, whichever occurs earlier.