Introduction
Campus visits are where recruiting becomes real.
For student-athletes, this is when you move from emails and highlight videos to seeing what life would actually look like as a college athlete.
But confusion still surrounds NCAA and NAIA campus visit rules — especially around when visits can happen, who pays, and what’s allowed.
This 2025–26 guide breaks everything down in simple terms — from official vs. unofficial visits to timelines, parent roles, and common mistakes — so your family can navigate this process with confidence.
🏫 What Is a Campus Visit?
A campus visit is any in-person (or virtual) meeting between a student-athlete and a college program. It’s the best way to gauge academic fit, athletic culture, and team chemistry.
There are two main types:
Visit Type | Who Pays | Timing | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
Official Visit | The college pays for travel, lodging, meals, and limited entertainment (within NCAA rules). | After NCAA-approved recruiting dates. | Facility tours, team meals, academic meetings, and coach discussions. |
Unofficial Visit | The family pays all costs. | Can happen most times except during dead periods. | Informal campus tour, meeting with coach, or attending a home game. |
📅 NCAA Campus Visit Timelines (2025–26)
NCAA Division I
Official visits: Begin August 1 before junior year.
Unofficial visits: Allowed anytime, except during dead periods.
Quick Definition: “Dead Period” — a designated time when in-person recruiting (including campus visits) is not allowed. Coaches may still call, text, or email athletes during this time.
NCAA Division II
Official visits: Begin June 15 after sophomore year.
Unofficial visits: May occur anytime, with fewer restrictions than D I.
NCAA Division III
No “official” school-paid visits.
Athletes may be invited for hosted overnight stays or academic visits, usually after January 1 of junior year, but families cover expenses.
NAIA and NJCAA
Contact rules are more flexible — visits may occur at almost any time.
Families usually pay, but some NAIA programs reimburse limited travel costs.
NJCAA (junior colleges) often host informal visits for cost-conscious families.
🎟️ Visit Caps and Limits
Level | Maximum Official Visits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
NCAA Division I | Up to 5 total, across all sports and schools. | One per school; may reset if transferring. |
NCAA Division II | Unlimited, but only one per school. | |
NCAA Division III | No official visits (unlimited unofficials). | |
NAIA / NJCAA | No formal limit. | Visits governed by school policies. |
💵 Who Pays for What
Official Visit (College-Paid)
The school may cover:
Round-trip transportation for the recruit (and sometimes parents)
Meals (up to three per day)
Lodging (typically one night)
Campus event tickets (e.g., home game or performance)
The school cannot:
Pay for souvenirs, merchandise, or gifts
Provide excessive entertainment or off-campus perks
NCAA Rule: No more than 48 hours per official visit.
Unofficial Visit (Family-Paid)
Families cover travel, food, and lodging.
You can still:
Meet with coaches
Tour facilities
Attend games (by buying tickets)
Unofficial visits are great for early exploration and budget-conscious families.
🧭 How to Prepare for a Campus Visit
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
Colleges cannot pay for an official visit until the athlete appears in the eligibility portal.
Confirm Details with the Coach
Discuss itinerary, expected dress code, and meetings.
Ask whether parents are invited to certain sessions.
Bring the Essentials
Notebook or phone for jotting down impressions and costs.
Copy of your transcript, resume, and questions list.
Ask the Right Questions
What’s the academic workload like for athletes?
How does playing time get earned?
What’s the team culture like?
How are scholarships renewed each year?
After the Visit
Send a thank-you email to coaches within 48 hours.
Note what you liked and didn’t — this helps compare offers later.
🎒 What Happens During an Official Visit
Typical schedule highlights:
Campus Tour – classrooms, housing, training, dining facilities
Coach Meeting – scholarship discussion, expectations, team overview
Team Interaction – practice viewing, meals, or dorm visit
Academic Session – faculty or advisor meeting
Optional Overnight Stay – with a current player or host
Unofficial visits often include the same activities, minus the school-paid perks.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
Scheduling during a dead period | Violates NCAA rules | Check the official Recruiting Calendar. |
Accepting unauthorized perks | Risk of NCAA violation | Only accept meals, lodging, and event tickets within limits. |
Parents doing all the talking | Coaches prefer athlete-led dialogue | Let your athlete lead the conversation. |
Ignoring academics | Aid and eligibility depend on GPA | Always meet academic staff or advisors. |
💻 Virtual Visits
Virtual tours exploded post-2020 and are still common for distant or international recruits.
They count as unofficial visits and often include:
Zoom tours of facilities
Q&A with coaching staff
Virtual admissions or financial aid sessions
Pro Tip: Treat virtual visits as seriously as in-person ones—dress well, prepare questions, and take notes.
👨👩👧 Parent & Family Role
Parents are critical—but secondary—participants.
Let the athlete do the talking.
Focus on academic and financial discussions.
Take notes on scholarships, deadlines, and costs.
Debrief afterward: “Could you see yourself living there?”
📊 Visit Strategy by Level
Level | When to Visit | Focus | Aid Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
NCAA DI | Junior year | Role, competition, facilities | Compare partial athletic awards |
NCAA DII | Junior year | Athletic–academic balance | Combine athletic + merit aid |
NCAA DIII | Senior year | Campus fit, academics | Explore merit & need-based aid |
NAIA | Junior–Senior year | Relationships, flexibility | Leverage aid stacking |
NJCAA | Sophomore year (for transfers) | Playing time, affordability | Build transfer pathway |
📚 External Resources
🔗 Related NCAA Scholarship Guide Blogs
Grades First: A Parent’s Guide to NCAA Core Courses, Pre‑Reads & the Academic Index
How to Create Impact Videos That NCAA Coaches Will Actually Watch (And Act On)
💡 Final Thoughts
“Campus visits aren’t vacations — they’re interviews for your future.”
Families who win this process don’t just show up—they prepare like pros.
They know what to ask, what to observe, and how to follow up.
If you want to turn every campus visit into a scholarship opportunity, don’t wing it.
Use the same tools college recruiting insiders use.
👉 Download our Sport Specific Scholarship Playbooks for checklists, question templates, and real examples from athletes who turned visits into offers.
It’s not about visiting more schools — it’s about making every visit count.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between official and unofficial visits?
Official = school pays; Unofficial = family pays. Both can include tours, coach meetings, and class visits.
2. What’s a “dead period”?
A dead period is a specific time when in-person recruiting and campus visits are not allowed. Athletes can still call, text, or email coaches.
3. How many official visits can I take?
Up to five total for Division I. Division II and III allow unlimited, but only one per school.
4. Can DIII athletes take official visits?
No. Division III schools can host overnight academic/athletic experiences, but they are family-funded.
5. Can parents go on the visit?
Yes. Parents are welcome but should let the athlete lead conversations.
6. Who pays for official visit travel?
The college covers travel, meals, and lodging for the athlete (and sometimes parents).
7. Are virtual visits official?
No. All virtual visits count as unofficial but remain valuable for evaluation.
8. Do official visits mean an offer is guaranteed?
No—but they’re a strong sign you’re a top recruit.
9. When should my athlete start visiting schools?
Unofficial visits can begin early in high school. Most athletes begin serious visits junior year.
10. How can we compare schools after visits?
Use a visit checklist to track academics, culture, scholarships, and impressions side by side.
Introduction
Campus visits are where recruiting becomes real.
For student-athletes, this is when you move from emails and highlight videos to seeing what life would actually look like as a college athlete.
But confusion still surrounds NCAA and NAIA campus visit rules — especially around when visits can happen, who pays, and what’s allowed.
This 2025–26 guide breaks everything down in simple terms — from official vs. unofficial visits to timelines, parent roles, and common mistakes — so your family can navigate this process with confidence.
🏫 What Is a Campus Visit?
A campus visit is any in-person (or virtual) meeting between a student-athlete and a college program. It’s the best way to gauge academic fit, athletic culture, and team chemistry.
There are two main types:
Visit Type | Who Pays | Timing | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
Official Visit | The college pays for travel, lodging, meals, and limited entertainment (within NCAA rules). | After NCAA-approved recruiting dates. | Facility tours, team meals, academic meetings, and coach discussions. |
Unofficial Visit | The family pays all costs. | Can happen most times except during dead periods. | Informal campus tour, meeting with coach, or attending a home game. |
📅 NCAA Campus Visit Timelines (2025–26)
NCAA Division I
Official visits: Begin August 1 before junior year.
Unofficial visits: Allowed anytime, except during dead periods.
Quick Definition: “Dead Period” — a designated time when in-person recruiting (including campus visits) is not allowed. Coaches may still call, text, or email athletes during this time.
NCAA Division II
Official visits: Begin June 15 after sophomore year.
Unofficial visits: May occur anytime, with fewer restrictions than D I.
NCAA Division III
No “official” school-paid visits.
Athletes may be invited for hosted overnight stays or academic visits, usually after January 1 of junior year, but families cover expenses.
NAIA and NJCAA
Contact rules are more flexible — visits may occur at almost any time.
Families usually pay, but some NAIA programs reimburse limited travel costs.
NJCAA (junior colleges) often host informal visits for cost-conscious families.
🎟️ Visit Caps and Limits
Level | Maximum Official Visits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
NCAA Division I | Up to 5 total, across all sports and schools. | One per school; may reset if transferring. |
NCAA Division II | Unlimited, but only one per school. | |
NCAA Division III | No official visits (unlimited unofficials). | |
NAIA / NJCAA | No formal limit. | Visits governed by school policies. |
💵 Who Pays for What
Official Visit (College-Paid)
The school may cover:
Round-trip transportation for the recruit (and sometimes parents)
Meals (up to three per day)
Lodging (typically one night)
Campus event tickets (e.g., home game or performance)
The school cannot:
Pay for souvenirs, merchandise, or gifts
Provide excessive entertainment or off-campus perks
NCAA Rule: No more than 48 hours per official visit.
Unofficial Visit (Family-Paid)
Families cover travel, food, and lodging.
You can still:
Meet with coaches
Tour facilities
Attend games (by buying tickets)
Unofficial visits are great for early exploration and budget-conscious families.
🧭 How to Prepare for a Campus Visit
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
Colleges cannot pay for an official visit until the athlete appears in the eligibility portal.
Confirm Details with the Coach
Discuss itinerary, expected dress code, and meetings.
Ask whether parents are invited to certain sessions.
Bring the Essentials
Notebook or phone for jotting down impressions and costs.
Copy of your transcript, resume, and questions list.
Ask the Right Questions
What’s the academic workload like for athletes?
How does playing time get earned?
What’s the team culture like?
How are scholarships renewed each year?
After the Visit
Send a thank-you email to coaches within 48 hours.
Note what you liked and didn’t — this helps compare offers later.
🎒 What Happens During an Official Visit
Typical schedule highlights:
Campus Tour – classrooms, housing, training, dining facilities
Coach Meeting – scholarship discussion, expectations, team overview
Team Interaction – practice viewing, meals, or dorm visit
Academic Session – faculty or advisor meeting
Optional Overnight Stay – with a current player or host
Unofficial visits often include the same activities, minus the school-paid perks.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
Scheduling during a dead period | Violates NCAA rules | Check the official Recruiting Calendar. |
Accepting unauthorized perks | Risk of NCAA violation | Only accept meals, lodging, and event tickets within limits. |
Parents doing all the talking | Coaches prefer athlete-led dialogue | Let your athlete lead the conversation. |
Ignoring academics | Aid and eligibility depend on GPA | Always meet academic staff or advisors. |
💻 Virtual Visits
Virtual tours exploded post-2020 and are still common for distant or international recruits.
They count as unofficial visits and often include:
Zoom tours of facilities
Q&A with coaching staff
Virtual admissions or financial aid sessions
Pro Tip: Treat virtual visits as seriously as in-person ones—dress well, prepare questions, and take notes.
👨👩👧 Parent & Family Role
Parents are critical—but secondary—participants.
Let the athlete do the talking.
Focus on academic and financial discussions.
Take notes on scholarships, deadlines, and costs.
Debrief afterward: “Could you see yourself living there?”
📊 Visit Strategy by Level
Level | When to Visit | Focus | Aid Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
NCAA DI | Junior year | Role, competition, facilities | Compare partial athletic awards |
NCAA DII | Junior year | Athletic–academic balance | Combine athletic + merit aid |
NCAA DIII | Senior year | Campus fit, academics | Explore merit & need-based aid |
NAIA | Junior–Senior year | Relationships, flexibility | Leverage aid stacking |
NJCAA | Sophomore year (for transfers) | Playing time, affordability | Build transfer pathway |
📚 External Resources
🔗 Related NCAA Scholarship Guide Blogs
Grades First: A Parent’s Guide to NCAA Core Courses, Pre‑Reads & the Academic Index
How to Create Impact Videos That NCAA Coaches Will Actually Watch (And Act On)
💡 Final Thoughts
“Campus visits aren’t vacations — they’re interviews for your future.”
Families who win this process don’t just show up—they prepare like pros.
They know what to ask, what to observe, and how to follow up.
If you want to turn every campus visit into a scholarship opportunity, don’t wing it.
Use the same tools college recruiting insiders use.
👉 Download our Sport Specific Scholarship Playbooks for checklists, question templates, and real examples from athletes who turned visits into offers.
It’s not about visiting more schools — it’s about making every visit count.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between official and unofficial visits?
Official = school pays; Unofficial = family pays. Both can include tours, coach meetings, and class visits.
2. What’s a “dead period”?
A dead period is a specific time when in-person recruiting and campus visits are not allowed. Athletes can still call, text, or email coaches.
3. How many official visits can I take?
Up to five total for Division I. Division II and III allow unlimited, but only one per school.
4. Can DIII athletes take official visits?
No. Division III schools can host overnight academic/athletic experiences, but they are family-funded.
5. Can parents go on the visit?
Yes. Parents are welcome but should let the athlete lead conversations.
6. Who pays for official visit travel?
The college covers travel, meals, and lodging for the athlete (and sometimes parents).
7. Are virtual visits official?
No. All virtual visits count as unofficial but remain valuable for evaluation.
8. Do official visits mean an offer is guaranteed?
No—but they’re a strong sign you’re a top recruit.
9. When should my athlete start visiting schools?
Unofficial visits can begin early in high school. Most athletes begin serious visits junior year.
10. How can we compare schools after visits?
Use a visit checklist to track academics, culture, scholarships, and impressions side by side.
Introduction
Campus visits are where recruiting becomes real.
For student-athletes, this is when you move from emails and highlight videos to seeing what life would actually look like as a college athlete.
But confusion still surrounds NCAA and NAIA campus visit rules — especially around when visits can happen, who pays, and what’s allowed.
This 2025–26 guide breaks everything down in simple terms — from official vs. unofficial visits to timelines, parent roles, and common mistakes — so your family can navigate this process with confidence.
🏫 What Is a Campus Visit?
A campus visit is any in-person (or virtual) meeting between a student-athlete and a college program. It’s the best way to gauge academic fit, athletic culture, and team chemistry.
There are two main types:
Visit Type | Who Pays | Timing | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
Official Visit | The college pays for travel, lodging, meals, and limited entertainment (within NCAA rules). | After NCAA-approved recruiting dates. | Facility tours, team meals, academic meetings, and coach discussions. |
Unofficial Visit | The family pays all costs. | Can happen most times except during dead periods. | Informal campus tour, meeting with coach, or attending a home game. |
📅 NCAA Campus Visit Timelines (2025–26)
NCAA Division I
Official visits: Begin August 1 before junior year.
Unofficial visits: Allowed anytime, except during dead periods.
Quick Definition: “Dead Period” — a designated time when in-person recruiting (including campus visits) is not allowed. Coaches may still call, text, or email athletes during this time.
NCAA Division II
Official visits: Begin June 15 after sophomore year.
Unofficial visits: May occur anytime, with fewer restrictions than D I.
NCAA Division III
No “official” school-paid visits.
Athletes may be invited for hosted overnight stays or academic visits, usually after January 1 of junior year, but families cover expenses.
NAIA and NJCAA
Contact rules are more flexible — visits may occur at almost any time.
Families usually pay, but some NAIA programs reimburse limited travel costs.
NJCAA (junior colleges) often host informal visits for cost-conscious families.
🎟️ Visit Caps and Limits
Level | Maximum Official Visits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
NCAA Division I | Up to 5 total, across all sports and schools. | One per school; may reset if transferring. |
NCAA Division II | Unlimited, but only one per school. | |
NCAA Division III | No official visits (unlimited unofficials). | |
NAIA / NJCAA | No formal limit. | Visits governed by school policies. |
💵 Who Pays for What
Official Visit (College-Paid)
The school may cover:
Round-trip transportation for the recruit (and sometimes parents)
Meals (up to three per day)
Lodging (typically one night)
Campus event tickets (e.g., home game or performance)
The school cannot:
Pay for souvenirs, merchandise, or gifts
Provide excessive entertainment or off-campus perks
NCAA Rule: No more than 48 hours per official visit.
Unofficial Visit (Family-Paid)
Families cover travel, food, and lodging.
You can still:
Meet with coaches
Tour facilities
Attend games (by buying tickets)
Unofficial visits are great for early exploration and budget-conscious families.
🧭 How to Prepare for a Campus Visit
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
Colleges cannot pay for an official visit until the athlete appears in the eligibility portal.
Confirm Details with the Coach
Discuss itinerary, expected dress code, and meetings.
Ask whether parents are invited to certain sessions.
Bring the Essentials
Notebook or phone for jotting down impressions and costs.
Copy of your transcript, resume, and questions list.
Ask the Right Questions
What’s the academic workload like for athletes?
How does playing time get earned?
What’s the team culture like?
How are scholarships renewed each year?
After the Visit
Send a thank-you email to coaches within 48 hours.
Note what you liked and didn’t — this helps compare offers later.
🎒 What Happens During an Official Visit
Typical schedule highlights:
Campus Tour – classrooms, housing, training, dining facilities
Coach Meeting – scholarship discussion, expectations, team overview
Team Interaction – practice viewing, meals, or dorm visit
Academic Session – faculty or advisor meeting
Optional Overnight Stay – with a current player or host
Unofficial visits often include the same activities, minus the school-paid perks.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
Scheduling during a dead period | Violates NCAA rules | Check the official Recruiting Calendar. |
Accepting unauthorized perks | Risk of NCAA violation | Only accept meals, lodging, and event tickets within limits. |
Parents doing all the talking | Coaches prefer athlete-led dialogue | Let your athlete lead the conversation. |
Ignoring academics | Aid and eligibility depend on GPA | Always meet academic staff or advisors. |
💻 Virtual Visits
Virtual tours exploded post-2020 and are still common for distant or international recruits.
They count as unofficial visits and often include:
Zoom tours of facilities
Q&A with coaching staff
Virtual admissions or financial aid sessions
Pro Tip: Treat virtual visits as seriously as in-person ones—dress well, prepare questions, and take notes.
👨👩👧 Parent & Family Role
Parents are critical—but secondary—participants.
Let the athlete do the talking.
Focus on academic and financial discussions.
Take notes on scholarships, deadlines, and costs.
Debrief afterward: “Could you see yourself living there?”
📊 Visit Strategy by Level
Level | When to Visit | Focus | Aid Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
NCAA DI | Junior year | Role, competition, facilities | Compare partial athletic awards |
NCAA DII | Junior year | Athletic–academic balance | Combine athletic + merit aid |
NCAA DIII | Senior year | Campus fit, academics | Explore merit & need-based aid |
NAIA | Junior–Senior year | Relationships, flexibility | Leverage aid stacking |
NJCAA | Sophomore year (for transfers) | Playing time, affordability | Build transfer pathway |
📚 External Resources
🔗 Related NCAA Scholarship Guide Blogs
Grades First: A Parent’s Guide to NCAA Core Courses, Pre‑Reads & the Academic Index
How to Create Impact Videos That NCAA Coaches Will Actually Watch (And Act On)
💡 Final Thoughts
“Campus visits aren’t vacations — they’re interviews for your future.”
Families who win this process don’t just show up—they prepare like pros.
They know what to ask, what to observe, and how to follow up.
If you want to turn every campus visit into a scholarship opportunity, don’t wing it.
Use the same tools college recruiting insiders use.
👉 Download our Sport Specific Scholarship Playbooks for checklists, question templates, and real examples from athletes who turned visits into offers.
It’s not about visiting more schools — it’s about making every visit count.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between official and unofficial visits?
Official = school pays; Unofficial = family pays. Both can include tours, coach meetings, and class visits.
2. What’s a “dead period”?
A dead period is a specific time when in-person recruiting and campus visits are not allowed. Athletes can still call, text, or email coaches.
3. How many official visits can I take?
Up to five total for Division I. Division II and III allow unlimited, but only one per school.
4. Can DIII athletes take official visits?
No. Division III schools can host overnight academic/athletic experiences, but they are family-funded.
5. Can parents go on the visit?
Yes. Parents are welcome but should let the athlete lead conversations.
6. Who pays for official visit travel?
The college covers travel, meals, and lodging for the athlete (and sometimes parents).
7. Are virtual visits official?
No. All virtual visits count as unofficial but remain valuable for evaluation.
8. Do official visits mean an offer is guaranteed?
No—but they’re a strong sign you’re a top recruit.
9. When should my athlete start visiting schools?
Unofficial visits can begin early in high school. Most athletes begin serious visits junior year.
10. How can we compare schools after visits?
Use a visit checklist to track academics, culture, scholarships, and impressions side by side.
