What is D1 in sports?

Can someone explain what Division 1 (D1) means in college sports? What's the difference between D1, D2, and D3?

Division 1 (D1), Division 2 (D2), and Division 3 (D3) are the three different athletic divisions within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which is the governing body for college sports in the United States. These divisions represent various levels of athletic competition and scholarship opportunities for student-athletes.

Division 1 (D1): D1 is considered the most competitive level in college sports. Schools in this division typically have larger athletic budgets and provide more scholarships to athletes. D1 schools often compete at the highest level and attract top-tier athletes from around the country. These schools typically have larger student populations and are more likely to be found in major athletic conferences like the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten, Southeastern Conference (SEC), and Pac-12.

Division 2 (D2): D2 is a step down in terms of athletic competition compared to D1, but still offers excellent athletic opportunities for student-athletes. While there are fewer athletic scholarships available in D2, there is often a focus on maintaining a balance between academics and athletics. D2 schools may be smaller in size and can offer a more personalized experience compared to larger D1 institutions.

Division 3 (D3): D3 is the least competitive of the three divisions in terms of athletic competition. Schools in this division do not offer athletic scholarships, so student-athletes must rely on academic scholarships, grants, or financial aid to help with college expenses. This division is particularly focused on offering a well-rounded experience, emphasizing the importance of academics alongside athletics.

For more on the NCAA Divisions, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/ncaa-student-athlete-overview

It's important to note that while the level of competition varies between divisions, there are still many talented athletes across all three divisions. The best fit for a student-athlete often depends on their academic and athletic goals, as well as the desired balance between the two.