Do Division 2 colleges offer athletic scholarships?

I'm trying to understand the whole scholarship situation for college sports, especially for D2 schools. I know that D1 colleges are known for big athletic scholarships, but what about D2 schools? Do they offer athletic scholarships as well? I'm considering a few D2 schools because they might offer a better balance of academics and athletics for me, but scholarships would help make college more affordable. If anyone has experience with this or knows how the athletic scholarship process works at a D2 level, I'd appreciate some info!

Yes, Division II colleges do offer athletic scholarships. Over $2 billion in athletic scholarships is awarded annually across Division I and Division II schools. It's important to note, however, that Division II schools have fewer scholarships to offer than Division I schools due to different resource levels and scholarship limits set by the NCAA.

Unlike Division I schools, which can offer full scholarships covering tuition, room, board, and books, many Division II scholarships are partial scholarships, meaning they only cover a portion of these costs. This often results in student-athletes receiving a combination of athletic, academic, and/or need-based scholarships to cover the total cost of attendance.

The scholarship process for Division II schools involves being recruited by the school's coaching staff, which generally starts with you reaching out to the coach of your sport at the respective school, or the coach identifying you through their scouting efforts.

However, it's important to remember that scholarships are re-evaluated each year and are not guaranteed for all four years. The size of the scholarship may also vary from year to year, depending on the college's budget and the team's needs.

One more thing: since you're focusing on a balance of academics and athletics, it's worth noting that Division II schools are often recognized for promoting this balance. Student-athletes at these schools compete at a high level athletically, but they’re also encouraged to participate in campus and community activities, broaden their academic and life skills, and develop into well-rounded individuals.