The NCAA created three divisions in 1973, to provide fair opportunities for students to compete in athletics throughout North America. Currently, 1,268 institutions are providing almost 500,000 student-athletes with these opportunities. Attending any of these colleges or universities is considered an honor, but how do you know which is right for you? Although the divisions all abide by NCAA regulations, they each provide their own unique college option for student-athletes.

DIVISION I

Division I schools are considered the highest level of sports competition. There is an average of 18 sports in competition at Division I schools. Typically, these schools have high enrollment rates, large campuses, national/regional prestige, and sports generate a considerable amount of revenue for the school. Most students aspire to attend a Division I school, for both athletics & academic purposes.

THE DIVISION I EXPERIENCE

Division I athletes have to meet NCAA eligibility requirements to participate in collegiate sporting events. Once on campus, the athlete will most likely dedicate the next 4 to 5 years of their life to their sport. This is not a lifestyle for the weak-minded, as the typical athlete will spend more than 85 hours a week attending classes & participating in sports related training. Athletes will have a much different college experience than their classmates, as they will often be separated from the general population due to their sports demands. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Division I schools are currently providing athletics aid to 59 percent of competing student-athletes. In addition to Division II, there are over 3 billion dollars in sports scholarships being received annually. As great as those statistics sound, prospective student-athletes should be realistic about their aspirations. Only 2 percent of High School students receive some type of athletic aid. Once in college, 2 percent of college students will play professional sports. Almost half a million students will be professionals in areas outside of sports. Athletic aid is a great opportunity, but being realistic of athletic ability and aligning that with educational goals will ensure a positive college experience.

DIVISION II

Division II schools can be as competitive as Division I schools but typically have a smaller amount of student-athlete participation. There is an average of 15 sports in competition at Division II schools. These schools can be similar to Division I schools regarding enrollment, regional prestige, and having sports generate revenue for the school. The majority of students who attend Division II schools are looking for a different type of athletic & academic institution, unique to their own preferences.

THE DIVISION II EXPERIENCE

Division II athletes have to meet NCAA eligibility requirements to participate in collegiate sporting events. Similar to Division I schools, sports will demand a large portion of the athlete’s time and resources. Athletes will often be separated from their college peers for sports-related events, but the overall college experience is not as intense as attending a Division I school. Campuses are typically smaller, creating a more personal vibe for student-athletes among their classmates.

Competition in Division II schools is very high, with most sports competing against Division I schools annually. In some sports, Division II athletes take a path into professional sports. Unlike Division I sports, most athletes have roster security once they make the team. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Division II schools are currently providing athletics aid to 62 percent of competing student-athletes. These schools offer athletic scholarships, but have fewer available than Division I schools. Full athletic scholarships are more often found in Division I, while most Division II athletes receive partial athletic scholarships.

DIVISION III

Division III schools compete on a more regional basis than Division I & Division II schools. Division III schools have an average of 18 sports in competition annually. More students are involved with athletics in Division III schools, which is why their 191,000 athletes accounts for the highest average percentage of students participating in sports.

THE DIVISION III EXPERIENCE

Division III athletes do not have to meet NCAA eligibility requirements to participate in collegiate sporting events. Each school has its own eligibility requirements for student-athletes. Athletic scholarships are not available at Division III schools, so Academics take precedence on campus. This leads student-athletes to have a much more well-balanced college experience. Division II athletes often feel more included in their college community than their counterparts in Division I & Division II. 

Competition in Division III sports is designed for students who want to continue their athletic careers after High School. These schools offer unique experiences for their athletes and students, such as study abroad & international matches. With an emphasis on creating a meaningful college experience, Division III schools provide their students with unique competition opportunities.

SCHOLARSHIPS

80 percent of Division III athletes receive non-athletics aid (academic scholarships, grants, or need-based scholarships), since athletic scholarships are not available.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JUCO AND COLLEGE

THERE IS A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

If you are a student-athlete, you should be realistic about your athletic abilities, your athletic goals, and your willingness to compete in your sport. If you want to go pro, maybe you should attend a Division I school and find out how you measure up against the top athletes in North America. If you are not being recruited by Division I schools, but Division II teams are interested, it might be best that you attend a Division II school and have a chance to compete. Not everyone is a Division I athlete with pro potential, but don’t let that stop you from competing at the level you are most suited to.

If you just want to continue your athletic career, Division III is a great way to experience college and play sports. If your situation needs to be tailored more to your life preferences, NAIA or Junior college sports are great alternatives.

No matter the level, everyone has the opportunity to play sports in college, but it’s up to the student-athlete to decide which situation works for them. Knowing what to expect from the various levels will help you make an informed decision about your collegiate sports goals.

By Vincent Pervis, Podyum Preps - Edited by Mathias Torp