Hey guys, I've been getting into the whole college search process and I'm a little confused about Division 2 NCAA schools. Can someone explain what sets them apart from Division 1 and Division 3 schools, and maybe list some examples of well-known D2 schools? Appreciate it!
Sure! NCAA schools are divided into three divisions (Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3) primarily based on the size of athletic programs and the level of competition. While all three divisions feature competitive athletic programs, there are some clear differences.
Division 1: Usually the largest schools with the most resources to dedicate to athletics, offering the highest level of athletic competition. They often give more athletic scholarships and have larger budgets for their athletic programs. Examples include universities like UCLA, Ohio State, and the University of Alabama.
Division 2: Smaller schools that still value competitive athletics but often have less funding for their programs than D1 schools. Division 2 offers a more balanced approach to athletics and academics than Division 1. While they do provide athletic scholarships, they are generally fewer in number and smaller in size compared to D1 schools. Some well-known D2 schools include Grand Valley State University, Colorado School of Mines, and University of Tampa.
Division 3: These schools do not offer athletic scholarships and tend to focus more on academics than the other two divisions. They still have competitive athletic programs, but with fewer resources dedicated to athletics and higher emphasis on the student experience. Examples of D3 schools include Johns Hopkins University, Amherst College, and Emory University.
It's important to note that while these divisions help categorize NCAA schools based on their athletic programs, the quality of academics, campus culture, and college experience can still vary greatly between schools within each division. When searching for colleges, it's essential to consider athletic opportunities as just one aspect of your overall college decision.
I hope this helps clarify the difference between Division 2 and the other NCAA divisions! Let me know if you have any other questions.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.