If you enjoy sports, it might interest you to know that Texas is home to several NAIA schools that provide a wide range of academic and athletic opportunities to both local and international students.
In this article, we will explore some of the top NAIA schools in Texas that participate in both men’s and female sports, and also provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about where to pursue your higher education and athletic aspirations.
One benefit of being a member of the NAIA is that student-athletes are eligible for athletic scholarships, which can help them pay for their education
Whether you are a high school student looking for a college that offers athletic scholarships, an international student seeking an opportunity to study and play sports in the US, or simply someone interested in learning more about the NAIA schools in Texas, this article is for you. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the top NAIA schools in Texas together.
About NAIA Schools in Texas
The NAIA is a governing body for small intercollegiate athletic programs in the United States and Canada. It consists of over 250 member institutions, which are typically smaller colleges and universities with fewer resources than those in larger athletic associations such as the NCAA.
NAIA offers student-athletes the opportunity to participate in intercollegiate sports while receiving a quality education. There are several NAIA schools in Texas but below are the 10 top NAIA schools in Texas;
- Jarvis Christian University
- Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- Texas College
- Wayland Baptist University
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- Texas Wesleyan University
- Huston-Tillotson University
- North American University
- University of North Texas at Dallas
- Paul Quinn College
These schools offer a variety of athletics programs, including men’s and women’s sports such as basketball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, track and field, and more.
Jarvis Christian College
Jarvis Christian College (JCC) is a private, historically black college in Hawkins, Texas. The college was founded in 1912 and is affiliated with the Christian Church. This college has a small student body, with over 600 undergraduate students, and offers undergraduate degree programs in fields such as business, education, social work, and more.
JCC is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and has several athletics programs, the college’s sports teams are known as the Bulldogs. The Athletic program at Jarvis Christian College helps students learn important life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, in addition to providing opportunities to compete at a high level.
In addition to academics and athletics, JCC offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as student government, choir, band, and various clubs focused on specific interests such as debate, drama, and science.
Jarvis Christian College Women’s Sports
- Basketball
- Basketball JV
- Cross Country
- Bowling
- Soccer
- Softball
- Golf
- Wrestling
- Volleyball
- Outdoor Track & Field
Jarvis Christian College Men’s Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Cross Country
- Bowling
- Wrestling
- Outdoor Track & Field
- Golf
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Southwestern Christian University (SCU) is a private, Christian university in Bethany, Oklahoma. It was founded in 1946 and is affiliated with the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. This university offers various undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including business, education, counseling, and more. The university has a student body of around 700 undergraduate and graduate students.
SCU is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and has several athletics programs, including men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and track and field. The university’s sports teams are known as the Eagles, competing in the Sooner Athletic Conference.
In addition to academics and athletics, SCU offers a range of student organizations, such as religious groups, service organizations, and clubs focused on specific interests such as music, film, and politics.
The university encourages students to get involved in community service and volunteer opportunities, both on and off campus. It also provides opportunities for students to study abroad and participate in mission trips. The university strongly emphasizes spiritual growth and development, with opportunities for students to participate in chapel services, Bible studies, and other religious activities.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University Women’s Sports
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Softball
- Esports
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Southwestern Assemblies of God University Men’s Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Soccer
- Esports
- Track & Field
Texas College
This private college is located in Tyler. It was founded in 1894 as a historically black college in Texas. The College offers undergraduate degree programs in fields such as business, education, social work, and more. It has a small student body, with around 800 undergraduate students.
Texas College is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and has several athletics programs, including men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cross country.
The college’s sports teams are known as the Steers. The athletic program at Texas College is a big part of student life, and it helps students learn important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.
In addition to academics and athletics, Texas College offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as student government, choir, band, and various clubs focused on specific interests such as debate, drama, and science. The college also strongly emphasizes community service and encourages students to get involved in volunteer opportunities and service projects, both on and off campus.
Texas College Women’s Sports
- Volleyball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Softball
- Track & Field
Texas College Men’s Sports
- Cross Country
- Track & Field
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Football
Wayland Baptist University
Wayland Baptist University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) for most sports. The university offers a variety of athletic programs for students, including basketball, volleyball, cross country, track and field, soccer, baseball, and softball.
The Wayland Baptist Flying Queens basketball team has a storied history and is a seven-time national champion in women’s basketball. The team won consecutive titles from 1956 to 1958 and then won four more championships in 1976, 1979, 1981, and 1992. In addition to the national championships, the Flying Queens have won numerous conference championships and produced several All-American players.
The university’s men’s basketball team, known as the Pioneers, has also had success on the court. The team has won several conference championships and has made multiple appearances in the NAIA National Tournament. The Pioneers have also produced several All-American players.
Wayland Baptist University also has a vibrant intramural sports program, which offers students the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and activities, including basketball, volleyball, flag football, and dodgeball.
Wayland Baptist University Women’s Sports
- Volleyball
- Softball
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Golf
- Track & Field
- Cross Country
Wayland Baptist University Mens Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Golf
- Track & Field
- Soccer
- Football
- Cross Country
Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), locally known as the Lake, is a private Catholic university located in San Antonio, Texas. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC).
OLLU is a member of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) in the NAIA. The RRAC includes 10 member institutions from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. OLLU participates in several sports in the RRAC, including basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
The university has a long history of athletic success, including numerous conference championships and appearances in national tournaments, and is committed to providing students with a quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.
In addition to athletics, OLLU also offers various academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as business, education, social work, and more.
Our Lady of the Lake University Women’s Sports
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Indoor Track & Field
- Outdoor Track & Field
Our Lady of the Lake University Mens Sports
- Baseball
- JV Baseball
- Basketball
- JV Men’s Basketball
- Cross Country
- Tennis
- Indoor Track & Field
- Soccer
- Outdoor Track & Field
- Golf
Texas Wesleyan University
Texas Wesleyan University is a private Methodist university in Fort Worth, Texas, and is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). It was founded in 1890 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The main campus is situated in the Polytechnic Height neighborhood.
As an NAIA school in Texas, Texas Wesleyan University participates in intercollegiate athletics programs and is eligible to compete for national championships in various sports. The university is a member of the Sooner Athletic Conference, which includes schools from Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico.
The NAIA promotes student-athlete success by emphasizing academic achievement, character development, and community service. As such, Texas Wesleyan University is committed to providing its student-athletes with a well-rounded education and opportunities to develop their leadership skills both on and off the field.
This university competes in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports.
Texas Wesleyan University Women’s Sports
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Softball
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
- Tennis
- Basketball JV Team
Texas Wesleyan University Men’s Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Track & Track
- Wrestling
- Basketball D-Team
Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University (HT) is a private historical black university in Austin, Texas, and a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) in sports such as basketball, cross country, track and field, volleyball, and soccer, among others.
As an NAIA school, Huston-Tillotson University is committed to providing a balanced educational experience for student-athletes, emphasizing academic achievement and character development in addition to athletic performance. The university’s athletic programs aim to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and a commitment to excellence on and off the field.
Huston-Tillotson University Women’s Sports
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Softball
- Cross Country
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Huston-Tillotson University Mens Sports
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Track & Field
North American University
North American University (NAU) is a fully equipped private non-profit institution. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs in several fields, including Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, and Education. The university underwent a name change in the fall of 2013, transitioning from Texas Gulf Institute to its current name, North American University (NAU).
The Stallions are the athletic teams representing North American University, with Kenneth Apande serving as the Athletic Director. Recently, the university joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and will compete as an independent member in the Continental Athletic Conference, beginning in the 2022-23 academic year.
North America offers eight intercollegiate varsity sports, including men’s basketball, football, track & field, and soccer, and women’s basketball, soccer, cross country, and track & field. The university has plans to expand its athletic program by adding more sports soon, such as esports, cheerleading, volleyball, and wrestling.
Their football program competed without affiliation for a few years. Their first season was during the COVID pandemic Fall of 2020.
North American University Women’s Sports
- Track & Field
- Cross Country
- Basketball
- Soccer
North American University Men’s Sports
- Football
- Soccer
- Basketball
University of North Texas at Dallas
The University of North Texas- Dallas (UNT Dallas) is a public university in Dallas, Texas, which was established in the year 2000 as a branch campus of the University of North Texas System Center.
The North Texas- Dallas (UNT Dallas) athletic teams are called the Trailblazers. The University is a member of NAIA, As of the 2020-21 academic year, the university has been a provisional member of the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC), where it competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
In March 2020, the Trailblazers applied for NAIA membership, was accepted and achieved full membership status in 2021-22. The SAC endorsed UNT Dallas’s NAIA membership bid, and the university now awaits a decision on conference membership during the conference spring meetings.
The university’s plan was to add men and women soccer at a later time after the initial launch of the athletic program. After students voted to approve a $7-per-credit hour athletics fee to support the department and its expenses, the university announced its decision to add an athletic program.
Future projects for the university’s athletic department include a cross-country course at the eastern end of the campus, as well as a baseball/softball complex, tennis courts, and fitness and office spaces for athletics and recreational use, as outlined in the university’s master plan.
University of North Texas at Dallas Women’s Sports
- Basketball
- Track & Field
- Cross Country
University of North Texas at Dallas Men’s Sports
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Track & Field
Paul Quinn College
Paul Quinn College (PQC) is a historically black Methodist college in Dallas, Texas. Established on April 4, 1872, by a small group of African Methodist Episcopal(AME) Church preachers in Austin, Texas, formerly known as Connectional High School and Institute from 1872-1877, Waco College 1877-1881.
Paul Quinn College’s sports teams are known as the Tigers and have been a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since the 1998-99 academic year. They primarily participate in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) and are also affiliated with the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).
Before their current affiliation, the Tigers were founding members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) from 1920-21 to 1928-29, which is currently an athletic conference in the NCAA Division I FCS.
As an NAIA school, Paul Quinn College participates in a variety of sports including basketball, soccer, track and field, and volleyball, among others. The NAIA is a smaller intercollegiate athletic association that provides opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level while emphasizing academic and character development.
Men’s basketball has won three national championships in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, including two under coach James Summers. and so many other accomplishments.
Paul Quinn College Women’s Sports
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Volleyball
Paul Quinn College Men’s Sports
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Track & Fields
- Cross Country
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Conclusion
NAIA schools in Texas offer excellent academic and athletic opportunities for students of all backgrounds, including men, women, and international students.
These schools provide a unique and supportive environment that can help students thrive both academically and athletically, thanks to smaller class sizes, personalized attention from professors and coaches, and a focus on character development.
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