NAIA Schools Vote for Fifth Year of Eligibility

Bushnell University Gives Enthusiastic Endorsement in Expanding Collegiate Athletics Landscape

KANSAS CITY, Mo.– In a landmark decision this week, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics membership voted to approve a fifth year of eligibility, replacing the current four-year limit.

The new model, which goes into effect in fall 2027, links the fifth year of eligibility to academic progress rather than age. If the student-athlete is earning the required number of credit hours, and they meet all other eligibility requirements, they can compete for a fifth year. Another distinction is that under the NAIA guidelines, the five years of eligibility do not have to be completed simultaneously, thus allowing student-athletes to take time away from school or enroll part-time. Bushnell Athletic Director Corey Anderson said, “This decision by our NAIA membership is the most substantial rule change that we have encountered in 20 years while growing Bushnell Athletics to what it is today. While this may not feel that different to a number of our returning student-athletes who have been allowed a ‘red-shirt’ season under the previous 20% participation rule, there is a lot of excitement from both student-athletes and coaches alike, while already preparing for the coming 2027-28 academic school year.”

The legislative proposal was made by the Council of Presidents in September 2026 and approved by NAIA membership on November 4.

Under the NAIA’s new model, the expiration of the NCAA’s five-year clock will not automatically exclude a transfer student’s eligibility. Depending on a student-athlete’s previous participation and enrollment, they may have eligibility remaining in the NAIA.

The new rule is an option for students who began 2026-27 with eligibility remaining and have sufficient terms of attendance available. Athletes who have exhausted their four years of eligibility before the 2026-27 academic year will not have an additional year of eligibility restored.

Bushnell’s Response

The Bushnell Athletic Department stands in full support of the new legislation and intends to do everything in our power to assist current and incoming student-athletes as they navigate this change and what it will mean for them and their educational and athletic future.

Anderson said, “With this vote, the NAIA and Bushnell University place themselves at the table with all current and future student-athletes looking to maximize their athletic and educational opportunities. Whether coming into college for the first time or transferring, we are excited to provide more opportunities for student-athletes to finish their undergraduate degree or completing a master’s degree while competing in the sport they love.”

Graduate Offerings

Bushnell University is uniquely prepared to provide many educational pathways for students using their fifth-year of eligibility, housing a robust collection of graduate programs including an MBA, Master of Arts in Leadership, and the Master of Arts in Sports Management. These degrees are 100% online programs and can be completed in 12 months.

The MBA program has also recently expanded with concentrations including Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Finance, Healthcare Administration, and Management & Leadership.

Students who plan ahead with the five-year tract in mind, can also take advantage of Bushnell’s “4+1” Accelerated Dual Degree Pathway in either an MBA or the Master of Arts in Sports Management. This program saves students time and money with the ability to combine undergraduate studies, graduate-level coursework, faculty mentorship, professional development, and real-world experience into one streamlined pathway.

Bushnell offers many other graduate-level programs which have been chosen by student-athletes including a Master of Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in School Counseling, and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

For More Information, visit: https://www.naia.org/membership/path-forward-task-force/

Student-Athletes are encouraged to discuss their options with their head coach and to reach out to Corey Anderson (canderson@bushnell.edu) with any questions.

For inquiries into Bushnell’s graduate opportunities, contact Director of Graduate Admission Carrie Gillies (cgillies@bushnell.edu).