NAIA independent schools

NAIA independent schools are four-year institutional members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) that do not have formal conference affiliations.[1] NAIA schools that are not members of any other athletic conference are members of the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC), formerly the Association of Independent Institutions (AII), which provides member services to the institution and allows members to compete in postseason competition. The CAC has one member institution in the U.S. Virgin Islands and another in Canada's British Columbia. It provides services to the member institutions that are not fitting in any other NAIA conference and allows members to compete in postseason competition. The AII renamed itself the Continental Athletic Conference at the end of June 2021, citing the need to identify as a proper conference.[2]

For schools that are independent in football only, see NAIA independent football schools.
Continental Athletic Conference
FormerlyAssociation of Independent Institutions
AssociationNAIA
Founded2008 (founded as the AII)
CommissionerTed Breidenthal
Sports fielded
  • 11
    • men's: 5
    • women's: 6
No. of teams19 (15 in 2023)
RegionUnited States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada (British Columbia)
Official websitewww.continentalathletics.com
Locations

Member schools

Schools that competes as independent in some sports that their own conference doesn't sponsor, competes in the CAC as affiliate members (except football).

Current full members

Departing members are highlighted in pink.

Institution Location Founded Affiliation Enrollment Nickname Joined Basketball?
Arkansas Baptist College[lower-alpha 1] Little Rock, Arkansas 1884 Baptist[lower-alpha 2] 468 Buffaloes 2021–22 both
Bacone College Muskogee, Oklahoma 1880 Tribal college[lower-alpha 3] 900 Warriors 2019–20 both
Crowley's Ridge College Paragould, Arkansas 1964 Churches
of Christ		 331 Pioneers 2016–17 both
Fisher College Boston, Massachusetts 1903 Nonsectarian 2,560 Falcons 2012–13 both
Florida College Temple Terrace, Florida 1946 Churches
of Christ		 505 Falcons 2021–22 men's
Florida National University Hialeah, Florida 1988 For-profit 5,541 Conquistadors 2018–19 both
Georgia Gwinnett College Lawrenceville, Georgia 2006 Public 9,000 Grizzlies 2012–13 none
Haskell Indian Nations University Lawrence, Kansas 1884 Public tribal 958 Fighting Indians 2015–16 both
Indiana University–Purdue University Columbus
(IUPUC)[lower-alpha 4]		 Columbus, Indiana 1970 Public 1,411 Crimson Pride 2022–23 none
Iowa Wesleyan University[lower-alpha 5] Mount Pleasant, Iowa 1856 United
Methodist		 570 Tigers 2012–13;
2021–22[lower-alpha 6]		 both
Morris College Sumter, South Carolina 1908 Baptist[lower-alpha 2] 871 Hornets 2005–06[lower-alpha 7] both
North American University[lower-alpha 1] Stafford, Texas 2007 Nonsectarian 785 Stallions 2022–23 both
Northern New Mexico College Española, New Mexico 1909 Public 3,873 Eagles 2009–10 both
Penn State–Schuylkill[lower-alpha 8] Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania 1934 Public
(PSUCC)		 940 Nittany Lions 2018–19 both
University of South Carolina Beaufort[lower-alpha 9] Beaufort, South Carolina 1959 Public 1,386 Sand Sharks 2022–23 none[lower-alpha 10]
University of Victoria Victoria, British Columbia, Canada 1903 Public 16,961 Vikes 2006–07[lower-alpha 7] both[lower-alpha 11]
University of the Virgin Islands[lower-alpha 12] Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 1962 Public[lower-alpha 2] 2,392 Buccaneers 2016–17 both
Voorhees University Denmark, South Carolina 1897 Episcopal[lower-alpha 2] 600 Tigers 2005–06;[lower-alpha 7]
2015–16[lower-alpha 13]		 both
Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland 1904 Seventh-day
Adventist		 1,493 Shock 2014–15 both
Notes
  1. Also sponsors football.
  2. Also a Historically black college and university.
  3. Formerly affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) until 2018.
  4. IUPUC joining River States Conference in 2023–24.
  5. Iowa Wesleyan joining American Midwest Conference in 2023–24.
  6. Iowa Wesleyan left the Independent/AII/Continental ranks after the 2012–13 school year; before re-joining, effective in the 2021–22 school year.
  7. School competed as a full Independent within the NAIA prior the inception of the AII/Continental, effective beginning the 2008–09 school year.
  8. This institution holds dual membership with the United States College Athletic Association (USCAA).
  9. South Carolina–Beaufort holds dual membership with NCAA Division II and has planned to leave the NAIA in the fall of 2023.[3]
  10. South Carolina–Beaufort has also planned to add men's and women's basketball in 2023–24 as its NCAA membership required.[3]
  11. UVic competes some of their sports in their primary home conference at the Canada West Universities Athletic Association (Canada West) of U Sports.
  12. Virgin Islands joining Gulf Coast Athletic Conference in 2023–24.
  13. Voorhees left the Independent/AII/Continental ranks after the 2012–13 school year; before re-joining, effective in the 2015–16 school year.


Former full members
Institution Location Founded Affiliation Enrollment Nickname Joined Left Current
conference		 Basketball?
Allen University Columbia, South Carolina 1870 A.M.E. Church[lower-alpha 1] 600 Yellow Jackets 2005–06 2015–16 Southern (SIAC)[lower-alpha 2] both
University of Antelope Valley Lancaster, California 2009 For-profit 1,517 Pioneers 2013–14 2014–15 California Pacific (CalPac) both
Arizona Christian University[lower-alpha 3] Glendale, Arizona[lower-alpha 4] 1960 Nondenominational 820 Firestorm 2009–10 2011–12 Golden State (GSAC) both
Ashford University Clinton, Iowa 1918 For-profit N/A Saints 2012–13 2015–16 Closed in 2016 both
Ave Maria University Ave Maria, Florida 2003 Catholic
(Diocese of Venice)		 1,200 Gyrenes 2008–09 2008–09 The Sun both
Benedictine University at Springfield Springfield, Illinois 1927 Catholic
(Ursulines)		 N/A Bulldogs 2010–11 2010–11 Closed in 2018 both
Bushnell University[lower-alpha 5] Eugene, Oregon 1895 Disciples
of Christ		 800 Beacons 2005–06[lower-alpha 6] 2006–07 Cascade (CCC) both
California State University San Marcos San Marcos 1989 Public[lower-alpha 7] 14,511 Cougars 1998–99 2014–15 California (CCAA)[lower-alpha 2] both[lower-alpha 8]
Central Baptist College Conway, Arkansas 1952 Baptist Missionary 739 Mustangs 2009–10 2010–11 American Midwest both
Central Christian College of Kansas McPherson, Kansas 1884 Free Methodist 1,013 Tigers 2015–16 2016–17 Sooner (SAC) both
Clarke University Dubuque, Iowa 1843 Catholic
(B.V.M.)		 1,230 Crusaders[lower-alpha 9] 2006–07;
2015–16[lower-alpha 10]		 2006–07;
2015–16[lower-alpha 10]		 Heart of America (HAAC) both
Cleary University Howell, Michigan 1883 Nonsectarian 600 Cougars 2017–18 2017–18 Wolverine–Hoosier (WHAC) none
College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, Georgia 1961 Public 3,438 Mariners 2011–12 2011–12 The Sun both
Cottey College[lower-alpha 11] Nevada, Missouri 1884 Nonsectarian 307 Comets 2018–19 2021–22 American Midwest women's
Dakota State University Madison, South Dakota 1881 Public 2,282 Trojans 2011–12 2012–13 North Star (NSAA) both
Dalton State College Dalton, Georgia 1963 Public[lower-alpha 12] 5,047 Roadrunners 2012–13 2013–14 Southern States (SSAC) men's
Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee 1866 United
Church of
Christ		 910 Bulldogs 2008–09;
2014–15[lower-alpha 13]		 2009–10;
2020–21[lower-alpha 13]		 Gulf Coast (GCAC) both
Governors State University University Park, Illinois 1969 Public 7,775 Jaguars 2015–16 2015–16 Chicagoland (CCAC) both
Green Mountain College Poultney, Vermont 1834 United
Methodist		 N/A Eagles 2018–19 2018–19 Closed in 2019 both
Holy Cross College Notre Dame, Indiana 1966 Catholic
(C.S.C.)		 500 Saints 2006–07[lower-alpha 6] 2008–09 Chicagoland (CCAC) both
Holy Family College[lower-alpha 14] Manitowoc, Wisconsin 1935 Catholic
(Franciscan)		 500 Lakers 2016–17 2019–20 Closed in 2020 both
University of Houston–Victoria Victoria, Texas 1973 Public 4,407 Jaguars 2007–08 2014–15 Red River (RRAC) none
Indiana University–Kokomo Kokomo, Indiana 1945 Public[lower-alpha 15] 3,719 Cougars 2012–13 2012–13 River States (RSC) both
Indiana University–Northwest Gary, Indiana 1959 Public[lower-alpha 15] 4,760 Redhawks 1998–99[lower-alpha 6] 2018–19 Chicagoland (CCAC) both
Indiana University–Southeast New Albany, Indiana 1941 Public[lower-alpha 15] 6,840 Grenadiers 1978–79[lower-alpha 6] 1993–94 River States (RSC) both
Indiana University–South Bend South Bend, Indiana 1966 Public[lower-alpha 15] 8,394 Titans 1987–88[lower-alpha 6] 2002–03 Chicagoland (CCAC) both
Jamestown College Jamestown, North Dakota 1883 Presbyterian
(PCUSA)		 900 Jimmies 2012–13 2012–13 Great Plains (GPAC) both
King College[lower-alpha 16] Bristol, Tennessee 1867 Presbyterian
(Evangelical
Presbyterian/
PCUSA)		 1,800 Tornados 2009–10 2009–10 Carolinas (CC)[lower-alpha 2] both
Lambuth University Jackson, Tennessee 1843 United
Methodist		 800 Eagles 2008–09 2008–09 Closed in 2011 both
Lawrence Technological University Southfield, Michigan 1932 Nonsectarian 3,000 Blue Devils 2011–12 2011–12 Wolverine–Hoosier (WHAC) both
Life University[4] Marietta, Georgia 1974 Nonsectarian 2,692 Running Eagles 2008–09;
2013–14[lower-alpha 17]		 2011–12;
2013–14[lower-alpha 17]		 Southern States (SSAC) both
Lincoln College Lincoln, Illinois 1865 Nonsectarian 800 Lynx 2018–19 2019–20 Closed in 2022 both
Lincoln Christian University[5][6][lower-alpha 18] Lincoln, Illinois 1944 Christian 1,050 Red Lions 2014–15 2021–22 N/A[lower-alpha 19] both
Lindenwood University at Belleville[lower-alpha 20] Belleville, Illinois 2003 Presbyterian
(PCUSA)		 N/A Lynx 2012–13 2013–14 Closed in 2020 both
Louisiana State University of Alexandria Alexandria, Louisiana 1959 Public 3,378 Generals 2007–08[lower-alpha 6] 2013–14 Red River (RRAC) both
Lourdes University Sylvania, Ohio 1958 Catholic
(Franciscan)		 1,500 Gray Wolves 2010–11 2010–11 Wolverine–Hoosier (WHAC) both
University of Maine at Fort Kent[lower-alpha 20] Fort Kent, Maine 1878 Public[lower-alpha 21] 1,339 Bengals 2017–18 2017–18 USCAA Independent both
Marygrove College Detroit, Michigan 1899 Catholic
(I.H.M.)		 N/A Mustangs 2008–09 2011–12 N/A[lower-alpha 22] both
Marymount California University Rancho Palos Verdes, California 1932 Catholic
(R.S.H.M.)		 923 Mariners 2010–11 2011–12 Closed in 2022 none
Mayville State University Mayville, North Dakota 1889 Public 780 Comets 2012–13 2012–13 North Star (NSAA) both
Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, Iowa 1928 Catholic
(R.S.M.)		 1,490 Mustangs 2015–16 2015–16 Heart of America (HAAC) both
University of Northwestern Ohio Lima, Ohio 1920 Nonsectarian 4,200 Racers 2007–08[lower-alpha 6][lower-alpha 23] 2007–08[lower-alpha 23] Wolverine–Hoosier (WHAC) both
Ohio Dominican University Columbus, Ohio 1911 Catholic
(O.P.)		 3,052 Panthers 2009–10 2009–10 Great Midwest (G-MAC)[lower-alpha 2] both
Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, Texas 1895 Catholic
(C.D.P.)		 2,660 Saints 2007–08[lower-alpha 6] 2007–08 Red River (RRAC) both
College of the Ozarks[lower-alpha 18] Point Lookout, Missouri 1906 Presbyterian
(PCUSA)		 1,508 Bobcats 2015–16 2020–21 NCCAA Independent both
Rochester University Rochester Hills, Michigan 1959 Churches
of Christ		 1,100 Warriors 2011–12 2016–17 Wolverine–Hoosier (WHAC) both
Rogers State University Claremore, Oklahoma 1909 Public 4,300 Hillcats 2005–06[lower-alpha 6] 2006–07 Mid-America (MIAA)[lower-alpha 2] both
University of St. Thomas Houston, Texas 1947 Catholic
(C.S.B.)		 1,626 Celts 2007–08 2010–11 Southern (SCAC)[lower-alpha 24] both
Savannah College of Art and Design at Atlanta
(SCAD Atlanta)		 Atlanta, Georgia 2005 Non-profit
art school		 2,000 Bees 2010–11 2011–12 Appalachian (AAC) none
Savannah College of Art and Design
(SCAD Savannah)		 Savannah, Georgia 1978 Non-profit
art school		 11,897 Bees 2003–04[lower-alpha 6] 2003–04 The Sun none[lower-alpha 25]
Soka University of America Aliso Viejo, California 2001 Nonsectarian 441 Lions 2007–08 2011–12 California Pacific (CalPac) none
Southeastern University Lakeland, Florida 1935 Assemblies of God 3,850 Fire 2008–09 2008–09 The Sun both
Stillman College Tuscaloosa, Alabama 1876 Presbyterian
(PCUSA)		 1,000 Tigers 2016–17 2017–18 Southern States (SSAC) both
Stephens College[lower-alpha 11] Columbia, Missouri 1833 Nonsectarian 754 Stars 2004–05[lower-alpha 6] 2007–08 American Midwest women's
Texas A&M University–Texarkana Texarkana, Texas 1971 Public 1,865 Eagles 2014–15 2015–16 Red River (RRAC) both
Trinity Lutheran College[lower-alpha 18] Everett, Washington 1944 Lutheran 166 Eagles 2014–15 2015–16 Closed in 2016 none
Truett McConnell University Cleveland, Georgia 1946 Baptist 1,600 Bears 2009–10 2009–10 Appalachian (AAC) both
Valley City State University Valley City, North Dakota 1890 Public 1,220 Vikings 2012–13 2012–13 North Star (NSAA) both
Victory University[lower-alpha 26] Memphis, Tennessee 1941 Nondenominational 1,970 Eagles 2008–09 2008–09 Closed in 2014 men's
Walla Walla University College Place, Washington 1892 Seventh-day
Adventist		 1,940 Wolves 2008–09 2014–15 Cascade (CCC) both
Warren Wilson College Swannanoa, North Carolina 1894 Presbyterian
(PCUSA)		 650 Owls 2010–11 2011–12 Coast to Coast (C2C)[lower-alpha 24] both
West Virginia University Institute of Technology Beckley, West Virginia 1895 Public[lower-alpha 27] 2,252 Golden Bears 2012–13 2014–15 River States (RSC) both
Wilberforce University Wilberforce, Ohio 1856 A.M.E. Church[lower-alpha 1] 900 Bulldogs 2012–13 2021–22 Mid-South (MSC) both
York University[lower-alpha 28] York, Nebraska 1890 Churches
of Christ		 459 Panthers 2015–16 2015–16 Kansas (KCAC) both
Notes
  1. Also a Historically black college and university.
  2. Currently an NCAA Division II athletic conference.
  3. Formerly known as Southwestern College until 2011.
  4. Former campus location was in Phoenix.
  5. Formerly known as Northwest Christian University until 2020.
  6. School competed as a full Independent within the NAIA prior the inception of the AII/Continental, effective beginning the 2008–09 school year.
  7. Part of the California State University System.
  8. The Cal State–San Marcos men's and women's basketball teams joined as an Independent 13 years after becoming a full member for other sports (2011–12).
  9. Clarke now competes as the Pride since the 2017–18 school year.
  10. Clarke left the Independent/AII/Continental ranks after the 2006–07 school year; before re-joining for only the 2015–16 school year.
  11. This institution is a women's college, therefore it does not field men's sports.
  12. Part of the University System of Georgia.
  13. Fisk withdrew from the Independent/AII/Continental ranks from 2010–11 to 2013–14.
  14. Formerly known as Silver Lake College until 2019.
  15. Part of the Indiana University System.
  16. Currently known as King University since 2013.
  17. Life left the Independent/AII/Continental ranks after the 2011–12 school year; before re-joining for only the 2013–14 school year.
  18. This institution held dual membership with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).
  19. Lincoln Christian discontinued its athletics program after the 2021–22 school year.
  20. This institution held dual membership with the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).
  21. Part of the University of Maine System.
  22. Marygrove announced that all athletics would cease after the 2017 fall season (with men's & women's soccer and volleyball remaining) of the 2017-18 academic year; with their August 2017 announcement of the closing of school's undergraduate programs.[7]
  23. Northwestern Ohio competed as an Independent while transitioning to join the American Midwest Conference as an associate (provisional) member.
  24. Currently an NCAA Division III athletic conference.
  25. Savannah A&D had sponsored men's or women's basketball until after the 2008–09 school year.
  26. Formerly known as Crichton College until 2010.
  27. Part of the West Virginia University System.
  28. Formerly known as York College until 2022.

See also

References
  1. "NAIA Member Schools". NAIA. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  2. "Athletics' Conference, Association of Independent Institutions Re-brands to Continental Athletic Conference". Haskell Indians. June 26, 2021.
  3. "USC Beaufort Approved for NCAA DII Membership". USCB Athletics (Press release). July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  4. "Life U Athletics Headed to Southern States Athletic Conference in 2022-23". Life Running Eagles. December 16, 2020.
  5. LCU Athletics Gain NAIA Membership, Advance to NCCAA Div I
  6. Area Colleges: Lincoln Christian to join NAIA
  7. "What you need to know about the closing of Marygrove College". model D. October 29, 2019.
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