What is the National Letter of Intent (NLI) and who administers it?

• A. A binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and a college indicating intent to enroll.
• B. A binding agreement indicating intent to enroll; administered by the NCAA with participating member schools.
• C. A scholarship grant awarded after enrollment.
• D. A transfer form that allows immediate eligibility.

Answer: (B)

The National Letter of Intent is a binding pledge by a prospective student-athlete to enroll at a college for the upcoming academic year, usually tied to an athletic aid offer. The essential point here is who runs the process: the NCAA administers the NLI program in partnership with the colleges that participate, providing a standardized, enforceable framework that applies across schools. It’s not simply a scholarship or a form signed after enrollment, and it isn’t a transfer document. The NLI establishes the commitment to attend the specific institution, with the administering NCAA oversight ensuring consistency and compliance.