The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has three Divisions: DI, DII, and DIII. These Divisions differ in the level of athletic play, academics, and the amount of athletic scholarships or aid each team can offer athletes on their roster. In addition to the NCAA, many athletic opportunities can be found within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), or the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). This article guides you through each division to help you identify which may be most compatible with the college experience you envision for yourself.
NCAA Division I
How Many Division I Programs Are There?
There are more than 350 schools with NCAA Division I programs.
What Type of Athlete Plays NCAA DI?
Playing at the Division I level is very competitive. Most athletes who are 4-5 star recruits or are nationally ranked will play at a Division I program. Athletes who compete at a Division I program will dedicate much of their time to their sport. Division I programs look to recruit student-athletes who are highly skilled and have a strong commitment to playing their sport at the next level.
What are DI Schools like?
Division I college programs can be found across the country! They are usually larger, with a median undergraduate enrollment of around 8,960 students. Today, there are 350 member schools nationwide, with over 190,000 student-athletes competing at this NCAA level. Recruiting for Division I is very competitive due to the high playing level and because there are a limited number of programs and roster spots available.
Do DI Schools Offer Athletic Scholarships?
At the NCAA Division I level, college coaches can offer athletic scholarships to student-athletes. Depending on your sport, you may be eligible to receive a full or partial scholarship. To learn more about Division I Athletic Scholarships, look up your sport here.
Keep in mind that Ivy League schools do not offer athletic aid. Ivy Leagues can only provide academic scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and need-based financial aid. To learn more about how to pay for college without athletic scholarships, you can review here the alternative forms of financial aid and determine if you’re eligible for each.
What Can I Expect as a Division I Student-Athlete?
As a Division I athlete, you will be expected to commit to training year-round. At this level of competition, dedicating a significant portion of your time to training and team travel is expected. You must manage your time effectively to ensure you are staying up on your academics, which is an integral part of being a student-athlete and maintaining your eligibility.
NCAA Division II
Playing at the NCAA Division II collegiate level is still competitive. However, athletes at these schools can generally expect to spend less time on training and competition than their Division I counterparts. At the DII level, student-athletes must have one day off per week from athletics activities during the competitive season.
How Many Division II Programs Are There?
There are 312 member schools today, making it the NCAA division with the fewest athletic programs. NCAA DII programs can be found across the country and across all of the NCAA-sanctioned sports.
What Type of Athlete Plays Division II?
NCAA Division II programs are competitive. Student-athletes who are 3-5 star recruits may find themselves playing for a Division II program. Athletes who compete for a Division II program are dedicated to excelling in both their sport and academic endeavors. Division II coaching staff look to recruit student-athletes who are dedicated to their sport and are eager to develop their athletic skills further while maintaining a balanced approach to academics.
What are DII Schools Like?
The NCAA Division II is known for its dedication to helping student-athletes balance their academic and athletic endeavors while encouraging them to engage in their community. Most DII schools (89%) have fewer than 7,500 students, so they can foster a more personal learning environment. Due to the smaller size of most DII schools, student-athletes have a higher opportunity to participate in championship play. Active community engagement and a commitment to inclusivity further define Division II, providing student-athletes with a well-rounded and prepared foundation for life beyond college.
Do DII Schools Offer Athletic Scholarships?
Division II programs are able to offer partial athletic scholarships depending on the sport, with only a few able to offer full athletic scholarships. You can find the exact number of scholarships available to each Division II team here.
What Can I Expect as a Division II Athlete?
As a Division II student-athlete, you will dedicate much of your time and efforts to your program. Similar to Division I, it will be important to manage your time wisely between academics and athletics. While Division II may not be as large of an athletic commitment as Division I, you should still expect to practice throughout the academic year.
NCAA Division III
If you want a more balanced college experience, then NCAA Division III may be the perfect fit for you. While DIII student-athletes remain dedicated to their sport, they also have more time to focus on a more holistic college experience. At the DIII level, student-athletes have more significant opportunities to participate in clubs, study abroad, or even play multiple collegiate sports.
How Many Division III Programs Are There?
Currently, 430 schools and nearly 200,000 students are participating in NCAA Division III athletic programs across the United States. This makes Division DIII the largest of the three NCAA divisions in terms of total member schools. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the easiest level of competition. However, it does mean if you are interested in the DIII level, there are plenty of schools to look at!
What Type of Athlete Plays Division III?
Student-athletes who are looking for a more balanced lifestyle in college are most likely going to be at an NCAA Division III program. Depending on the NCAA Division III program you play at, it may be just as competitive as some lower-level DI or DII programs. Athletes who compete at a Division III program bring diverse athletic skill sets and value the true student-athlete experience, emphasizing the importance of time management. NCAA DIII coaches are looking for student-athletes who are passionate about their sport and also looking to prioritize their academics.
What Are DIII Schools Like?
On average, DIII schools have around 2,500 students, with almost a third of those being student-athletes. Division III prioritizes a well-rounded collegiate experience, balancing rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and various co-curricular opportunities. These schools value a love for the game without the pressure of athletic scholarships and focus on the impact of athletics on its participants. This mentality fosters personal growth, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and leadership. With a commitment to broad-based programs and regional competition, Division III integrates athletics seamlessly into campus life, subjecting student-athletes to the same standards as the general student body.
Do DIII Schools Offer Athletic Scholarships?
No, Division III does not offer athletic scholarships. However, there are many other ways to help pay for college. Many DIII student-athletes apply for alternative scholarships, such as academic, merit-based, or financial aid. Learn more about these scholarships and financial aid here.
What Can I Expect as a Division III Athlete?
Being a Division III athlete, you can expect to have a balanced lifestyle in terms of athletics, academics, and social life. However, depending on the Division III program you play for, you may dedicate more time to athletics. Ultimately, being a Division III athlete you will have more of a holistic college experience than Division I and Division II student-athletes.
NAIA
The National Athletics Intercollegiate Association (NAIA), is a college athletic association separate from the NCAA. The NAIA has roughly 250 member institutions offering programs across all major sports and is home to over 80,000 student-athletes annually. NAIA schools are usually smaller in size and provide a great lifestyle balance for student-athletes. NAIA can also offer partial athletic scholarships.
To play at the NAIA level, you will need to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center and create a profile at PlayNAIA.org. You will submit NAIA-specific documentation verifying you meet all NAIA eligibility requirements there. Setting up your eligibility center account typically takes only a few minutes. Once all documents are submitted to the NAIA Eligibility Center, it generally takes 3-7 business days for the NAIA to complete the review process. Still, it may be longer for transfer students or if the athlete has submitted multiple transcripts.
NJCAA
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), also referred to as Junior Colleges (JUCO), are 2-year programs. If you are still deciding if you are ready to attend or participate athletically at a 4-year college or university, a Junior College could be an excellent fit for you. Many student-athletes who attend Junior Colleges intend to transfer to a 4-year university after completing their 2 years. Many college coaches at JUCO programs have built strong relationships with the staff at nearby 4-year schools and can help facilitate conversations about transferring.
Junior Colleges are an excellent choice for student-athletes still deciding where they want to study or play for the next 4 years. Depending on the school and the sport you play, athletes may be eligible to receive either a full-ride scholarship or a partial scholarship at a Junior College.
CCCAA
The California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) governs two-year college athletic programs across California. Like the NJCAA, CCCAA schools offer a great option for student-athletes who are still deciding on their next steps academically or athletically. These schools can serve as a bridge to 4-year universities, both academically and athletically.
Many CCCAA coaches maintain strong relationships with 4-year college programs, which can help facilitate your transfer and recruitment process.
Depending on the institution and sport, athletes may receive support through financial aid or academic-based scholarships, but CCCAA schools do not offer athletic scholarships.
NWAC
The Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) is the governing body for two-year colleges in the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, and parts of Idaho. Like NJCAA and CCCAA schools, NWAC programs provide an excellent starting point for student-athletes interested in continuing their education and athletic careers at a 4-year school.
Coaches within the NWAC often have strong relationships with 4-year institutions and can help you take the next step in your recruitment journey.
Athletic scholarships are not available through the NWAC, but other forms of financial aid may be accessible depending on the institution.
NCCAA
The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) offers athletic opportunities at Christian colleges and universities across the country. While many of these schools are also members of the NCAA or NAIA, the NCCAA provides an additional avenue for competition and development.
If you are looking for a faith-based college experience while continuing your athletic journey, the NCCAA may be a great fit. The competition levels vary by school, and many programs offer a well-rounded balance between athletics and academics.
Depending on the institution, NCCAA student-athletes may receive athletic scholarships, especially if the school is dual-affiliated with NAIA or NCAA.
USCAA
The United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) is made up of small colleges across the U.S. that offer a competitive athletic environment in a more intimate academic setting. Many student-athletes choose USCAA schools for their tight-knit communities and personalized learning environments.
If you’re looking for a balanced experience at a smaller school while still competing at the national level, the USCAA could be a great fit.
Athletic scholarships are available at some USCAA schools, depending on the institution and sport. In addition to athletic aid, many USCAA schools also offer academic scholarships, merit-based awards, and need-based financial aid to help support student-athletes.
U Sports (Canada)
U Sports is the governing body for university athletics in Canada. If you’re open to attending school outside the U.S., U Sports programs offer high-level competition and strong academic experiences.
Many athletes in U Sports programs are working toward competing professionally or continuing to play at elite levels. Like NCAA schools, U Sports institutions are typically 4-year universities with comprehensive athletic departments.
Athletic scholarships are offered through a system called Athletic Financial Awards (AFAs), which vary by province and university.U Sports schools also offer other forms of financial aid, such as academic scholarships, financial aid, and merit.
CCAA (Canada)
The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) is similar to the NJCAA but serves two-year and technical colleges throughout Canada. With over 90 member schools, CCAA programs offer competitive opportunities for athletes who are not ready to commit to a 4-year university right away.
These programs can be a great stepping stone both academically and athletically, especially if you are looking to transfer to a U Sports school later.
CCAA schools may offer athletic awards or bursaries, though availability and size can vary significantly by school. In addition to athletic aid, many CCAA institutions also offer academic scholarships and need-based financial assistance through their financial aid offices.
Club Associations
ACHA
The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) governs club-level college hockey programs across the U.S. These programs compete at a high level, even though they are not part of the NCAA structure.
If you’re a hockey player who wants to continue playing competitively while also prioritizing academics and a flexible college experience, the ACHA may be right for you.
Most ACHA programs do not offer athletic scholarships, but financial aid and academic scholarships may be available through your college.
MCLA
The Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) is a national organization of non-varsity men’s lacrosse programs. MCLA schools provide competitive opportunities for lacrosse players who want to stay involved in the sport while enjoying a well-rounded college experience.
Many MCLA programs are housed within larger universities and provide a great blend of academics, athletics, and campus life.
Athletic scholarships are not available in the MCLA, but athletes can still apply for academic or merit-based financial aid through their institutions.
WCLA
The Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (WCLA) is the women's counterpart to the MCLA, offering non-varsity lacrosse programs to student-athletes across the country.
If you want to continue playing lacrosse in college without the time commitment of a varsity program, the WCLA can provide a fulfilling and competitive athletic experience.
WCLA teams do not directly offer athletic scholarships, but academic or merit-based aid may be available based on the policies of the institution you attend.
How to Find Your Best College Matches
Use the free SportsRecruits Advanced School Search tool to find every school in the country in the divisions you care about most. Add additional filters, such as size of school, majors offered, and location, to narrow in on your target list of colleges. In several sports, you can also filter down to schools actively recruiting your class year and position. Sign up or log in to your SportsRecruits account to start searching.