Campus visits

Official & Unofficial Visits

What to know before you visit a college campus. Rules checked Oct 19, 2026. Rules change, so confirm details on the linked sources and with each school's compliance office. This is general guidance, not legal or eligibility advice.

Official vs. unofficial

Official visit: paid for by the college.
Unofficial visit: paid for by your family.

When D1 softball visits can start

In D1 softball, an official visit can't happen before 1 p.m. Central on Sept. 1 of junior year. An unofficial visit that involves the athletics department (meeting coaches, an athletics tour, free tickets) can't happen before then either. You can still tour the campus on your own like any other student. See the timeline for other divisions.

Before a D1 or D2 official visit

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Be on the school's institutional request list.
Send the school a copy of your high school transcript.

How many?

Each school can give you only one official visit (a second may be allowed in D1 and D2 if the head coach changes).

Proposed D1 change (not adopted yet)

On Oct. 7, 2026, the Division I Cabinet introduced a proposal that would change what schools can pay for on official visits. Until it is adopted, current limits apply. Ask each school's compliance office.

Questions to ask on a visit

Where do I fit on your roster, and how many players at my position are you bringing in?
Did your school opt into the House settlement, and what does aid look like for my class?
How do freshmen earn playing time?
Can I talk with current players without coaches present?
Can I study my intended major and play?

Sources (checked Oct 19, 2026)

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