What's the difference between D1 and D2?

I'm looking into college sports and was wondering what the main differences are between D1 and D2? How do they differ in terms of competitiveness, recruitment, and scholarships? Thank you so much!

The primary differences between NCAA Division I (D1) and Division II (D2) schools are the level of competitiveness, size and resources of the athletic programs, and the availability of scholarships. Here's a more detailed breakdown of those differences:

1. Competitiveness: In general, D1 colleges have more competitive sports programs compared to D2 schools. D1 programs often recruit higher-ranked athletes and are typically larger, better-funded programs. D2 programs, on the other hand, still offer competitive athletics but with more emphasis on the student-athletes' academic success. There can be considerable variability in competitiveness within each division, so it's essential to research each specific program of interest.

2. Recruitment: D1 schools usually have more resources and larger budgets dedicated to recruiting top-tier athletes. They often have full-time coaches and staff scouts responsible for evaluating and recruiting prospects. Meanwhile, D2 schools may have fewer resources for recruiting, so their coaches might rely more heavily on online recruit profiles, local connections, and word of mouth. Nonetheless, both divisions actively recruit prospective student-athletes.

3. Scholarships: D1 schools tend to offer more athletic scholarships, and some even provide full rides to highly recruited athletes. These are known as "headcount" sports, where the number of athletes on full scholarships is limited and often results in larger scholarships for the athletes in these programs. D2 schools, which typically have smaller budgets, offer fewer athletic scholarships, and they are often "equivalency" sports, meaning scholarships aren't necessarily full rides but can be divided among a greater number of student-athletes. Academically strong student-athletes at D2 schools might also leverage academic scholarships to help finance their education.

In summary, D1 programs are generally more competitive and well-funded, offering larger athletic scholarships. D2 programs are still quite competitive but prioritize academics alongside athletics, which can be a good fit for many student-athletes. When narrowing your choices, consider your goals in college athletics and academics and compare individual schools and sports programs to find the best fit for you. Good luck!