COLLEGE SPORT SYSTEM / SCHOLARSHIPS

The system is governed by three main organizations:

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)

NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)

NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

NCAA Divisions:

• Division I (D1):

  • Competitiveness: D1 schools offer the highest level of athletic competition. These schools often have large athletic programs and are featured in major sports like football, basketball, baseball, and more.

  • Scholarships: D1 schools can offer full athletic scholarships that cover tuition, fees, room, board, and books. Some schools also offer partial scholarships depending on the sport.

  • Recruiting: D1 schools have extensive recruiting networks, and athletes can often receive offers as early as their sophomore or junior year of high school.

  • Examples: University of Alabama, University of Michigan, Duke University.

• Division II (D2):

  • Competitiveness: D2 schools compete at a high level, though the athletic commitment is generally less intense than D1. Athletes often have more balance between academics, athletics, and social life.

  • Scholarships: D2 schools can offer athletic scholarships, but they are usually partial scholarships (rather than full scholarships) and may not cover all expenses like in D1.

  • Recruiting: Recruiting in D2 is less aggressive than in D1, and there is generally more emphasis on academics. The recruitment process can begin in junior or senior years.

  • Examples: University of California-San Diego, Colorado School of Mines, University of Tampa.

• Division III (D3):

  • Competitiveness: D3 schools focus more on the student-athlete experience, where academics come first, and sports are more about participation than professional aspirations. D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships.

  • Scholarships: No athletic scholarships are available, but students can receive academic scholarships or need-based financial aid.

  • Recruiting: D3 recruiting is less competitive compared to D1 and D2. Coaches may actively scout athletes, but the focus is generally on academics, extracurricular activities, and athletic ability.

  • Examples: Amherst College, Williams College, University of Chicago.

NCAA Scholarship Details:

• Full Scholarships: Available at D1 and D2 for certain sports (such as football, basketball, and track).

• Partial Scholarships: Common at D1, D2, and in some cases for D3 athletes (especially for non-revenue sports).

  Need-based Financial Aid: Often available to all divisions for students who demonstrate financial need.

NAIA Divisions:

• All Schools in the NAIA are considered a single division. There is no separation into D1, D2, and D3 like in the NCAA.

  • Competitiveness: The NAIA offers competitive sports programs, particularly in smaller schools and private universities. It is known for having a close-knit community of student-athletes.

  • Scholarships: Full and partial athletic scholarships are offered, and the number of scholarships varies by sport. In some sports, there are equivalency scholarships, meaning that the total amount of scholarship funds available can be split among multiple athletes.

  • Examples: Grand View University, Missouri Baptist University, Biola University.

  NAIA Scholarship Details:

• Full Scholarships are available for athletes, but the total scholarship amount may vary depending on the sport and school.

• Partial Scholarships are common, and like the NCAA and NJCAA, athletes may also receive academic scholarships or need-based financial aid.

NJCAA Divisions:

• Division I (D1):

  • Competitiveness: The highest level of competition in the NJCAA, offering competitive sports programs, often including football, basketball, baseball, and track & field.

  • Scholarships: Full and partial scholarships are available, covering tuition, fees, room, board, and books. Scholarships are similar to those offered in NCAA D1 schools, though the overall scale of programs is smaller.

  • Examples: College of Southern Idaho, Hutchinson Community College, Arizona Western College.

• Division II (D2):

  • Competitiveness: D2 schools compete at a high level but generally have smaller budgets and fewer resources than D1 schools.

  • Scholarships: Partial scholarships are available, covering part of the tuition or other expenses.

  • Examples: Western Wyoming Community College, Coffeyville Community College.

• Division III (D3):

  • Competitiveness: D3 schools offer less intense competition and are primarily focused on athletes who want to pursue their sport while also concentrating on academics.

  • Scholarships: No athletic scholarships are available in NJCAA D3, though athletes may receive financial aid through other channels.

  • Examples: Various small community colleges across the U.S.

NJCAA Scholarship Details:

• Full Scholarships at D1 schools cover tuition, room, board, and books.

• Partial Scholarships at D1 and D2 schools typically cover only part of tuition.

• No Scholarships at D3 schools, though financial aid can be provided.

Our team will evaluate your skills and educate you on which division is the best fit for you, ensuring that you maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship after you complete our free Opportunity Form.