Our full-membership includes:
• 6 public and 7 private institutions.
• 6 members from New York, 5 members from Pennsylvania, 1 member from New Jersey and 1 member from Washington, D.C.
• We have members in or near big cities and some that are situated in the country side.
• Our diversity is a defining characteristic of which we are very proud.

NCAA Automatic Qualifiers in the Sports of:
• Men’s: Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Tennis
• Women’s: Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Lacrosse

Other Sports Sponsored:
Men’s & Women’s Cross Country, Men's Lacrosse, Men's & Women's Swimming, Men's Volleyball

Our History: The conference was re-formed in 2004 when 12 formerly independent colleges who wanted to belong to a conference joined forces and started the North Eastern Athletic Conference. In 2007-08 and with the departure of 5 institutions and the arrival of 3 new members, the conference consists 10 members. In 2008, the NEAC lost an additional three institutions, but gained two new members bringing our total to nine members. In 2009, the NEAC added three additional new members, while losing a founding member. The NEAC had accepted four associate member institutions and added two additional full members in 2009-2010.  Additionally, the NEAC has partnered with the North Atlantic Conference in four sports: baseball, women's lacrosse, men's and women's tennis.  In 2010-2011, the NEAC was joined by one new member while losing two associate members.  In 2011-2012, the NEAC gained one new full member along with one new associate member.

Presidential oversight has been important and continues to guide the conference.

Our Philosophy: The NEAC and its member institutions operate intercollegiate athletics programs that must be consistent with the NCAA Division III philosophy. The NEAC recognizes that intercollegiate athletics are an integral and essential part of the collegiate experience and should operate in harmony with the educational mission of its member institutions. NEAC members must strive to uphold the highest ethical standards of athletic competition. Membership in the NEAC is intended for colleges and universities that provide a broad base of athletic competition.

Our Purpose: It shall be the general purpose of the NEAC to foster meaningful competition in as many sports as may be successfully provided by the member institutions within the limits of financial budget capabilities. A primary objective shall be the encouragement of widespread participation by student-athletes. The NEAC shall sponsor, promote, and organize intercollegiate athletics competition among member institutions for charitable and educational purposes. The NEAC encourages such competition to be equitable, fair, and amicable for all student-athletes.