The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Learfield Sports Directors' Cup is a program that honors institutions maintaining a broad-based program, achieving success in many sports, both men's and women's. Began in 1993-94 for Division I by NACDA and USA Today, it was expanded in 1995-96 to include Division II, III and the NAIA.

Each institution is awarded points in a pre-determined number of sports for men and women. The overall champion is the institution that records the highest number of points in their division's Directors' Cup standings. The winner receives a crystal trophy.

North Central totaled 311 points in the standings in the 2021 spring season to bring its total for the 2021-2022 academic year to 649. The Cardinals scored 25 points from Men's Volleyball ranked 9th, 50 points and ranked 17 from Women's and Men's Tennis, Softball, and Baseball. In addition, North Cental gained 25 points from Men's Lacrosse at 33rd place.

During the winter season, North Central totaled in 163 points. The Cardinals gained 82.5 points for the Men's Wrestling at 3rd place, 54 points from the Women's Indoor Track & Field  at 19th place, and 26.5 points for the men's track and field at 44th place. In the fall, the Cardinals collected 175 points after advancing to the DIII Football National Championship and gaining 90 points. North Central also gained 60 points from Men's Cross Country ranking at 15, and 25 points from 33rd ranked Men's Soccer

North Central year-by-year standings
1995-96: 76th (147 points)
1996-97: 61st (172 points)
1997-98: 13th (290 points)
1998-99: 22nd (210 points)
1999-00: 37th (281 points)
2000-01: 39th (296 points)
2001-02: 30th (324 points)
2002-03: 94th (153.25 points)
2003-04: 51st (252.50 points)
2004-05: 37th (298.50 points)
2005-06: 38th (312.875 points)
2006-07: 31st (412.25 points)
2007-08: 45th (346.75 points)
2008-09: 30th (447.5 points)
2009-10: 25th (531.50 points)
2010-11: 17th (597.75 points)
2011-12: 22nd (523 points)
2012-13: 20th (561.50 points)
2013-14: 21st (511 points)
2014-15: 24th (517 points)
2015-16: 38th (438 points)
2016-17: 33rd (447 points)
2017-18: 39th (426.50 points)
2018-19: 32nd (456 points)
2021-22: 22nd (649 points)
2022-23: 24th (607.50 points)