A question we hear all the time from the athletes who contact us: "Which division can I get into?" Very few student-athletes really know what level each division corresponds to, or how the divisions differ.
Understanding US college sports divisions matters. Not insisting on one particular division (NCAA Division I, for example) will save you time and energy, and it will save us time too.
Three things count:
- your athletic level
- your academic record
- the eligibility rules of each division
Eligibility rules are strict and change every year. What worked for a friend who went to the USA one year may not apply to you the next. That's a fact, and you have to accept it.
Here is an overview of the divisions in US college sports, to give you an idea of whether you could join the NCAA, the NAIA or the NJCAA, and which division could suit you, athletically and academically. For more detail, see our page on the divisions.
NCAA Division I
This is the division every student-athlete dreams of, because it is home to famous universities such as UCLA, Duke or Princeton. ESPN broadcasts their basketball, football and baseball games. Division I programs have the biggest budgets, and their coaches expect recruits to be very strong both athletically and academically.
- Athletics Partner's take: This is the top division. You will need to meet all the requirements of the NCAA Eligibility Center, whose rules change regularly. The level is high, and athletes are expected to behave in an exemplary way to earn their scholarship!
NCAA Division II
As in Division I, students can receive athletic scholarships in this division. The level in Division II is also very good and competition is strong, but if you have the level, the academic record, the experience and the right qualities, you have a good chance of being recruited by a good university. Eligibility rules are a little more flexible and, for many profiles, competition is less fierce than in Division I.
- Athletics Partner's take: If you don't have the athletic and/or academic level for Division I, this division can give you one of the best college sports experiences.
NCAA Division III
This is the only NCAA division that does not require certification from the Eligibility Center, because Division III does not offer athletic scholarships. The level can still be very good, and academic scholarships may be available, but you will not receive any financial aid tied to your sport, apart from equipment and team gear. You will have to pay for tuition and housing yourself, although smart choices can cut costs (sharing a room, working on campus…).
- Athletics Partner's take: There are excellent Division III universities in California or Florida, but you need the budget!
NAIA
NAIA colleges and universities are an excellent option for student-athletes who want to play their sport while staying focused on life after college. NAIA schools are proud of being smaller institutions: they form close-knit communities and give their students more individual attention.
The NAIA offers athletic scholarships, and student-athletes must also go through an eligibility center before they can receive one.
- Athletics Partner's take: The NAIA is the perfect option if you want to combine sport and studies in the USA while taking your degree very seriously.
NJCAA
The NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) covers two-year colleges, where students earn an associate degree.
NJCAA colleges offer athletic scholarships, and there are three things to know:
- tuition is lower.
- the TOEFL and SAT scores required are lower.
- after your two years, you can transfer to an NCAA university to continue toward a bachelor's degree.
If you are interested in NJCAA competition, eligibility rules are simpler than in the NCAA: above all, you need to meet the admission requirements of the college itself.
- Athletics Partner's take: It is a very good option if you want to discover US college sports and gain experience in the United States.
