Divisions Explained
Learn More about US Athletic Collegiate Divisions
NCAA Division I schools (4 year) are often perceived as the highest level of intercollegiate athletics sanctioned by the NCAA in the United States, which accepts athletes globally.
NCAA Division I schools include the major collegiate athletic powers, with large budgets and more elaborate facilities. Athletes are often performing in front of big crowds in state-of-the-art stadiums at the NCAA Division 1 level.
However, it is a mistake to assume that simply because a university has division 1 status that they are a better standard athletically than other US collegiate divisions. Yes, the athletic standard within the NCAA Division 1 is extremely high and athletes are expected to maintain an extremely rigorous training and playing schedule.
However, NCAA Division 1 status is largely earned through finances available to that particular university. NCAA Division 1 kudos is not directly earned through the success of the athletic programs. It is also worth noting that US collegiate sports do not operate under the promotion/relegation system.
As stated in our eligibility requirements, NCAA Division I schools mandate that you excel in the academic environment as well as the athletic. Academically, NCAA Division I schools are the hardest to be declared eligible for.
NCAA Division II schools (4 year) are an extremely high level of athletics. NCAA Division II programs provide athletes with a great intermediary option between the larger and better funded Division I schools and the scholarship free environment offered in Division III.
NCAA Division II schools provide a much more balanced approach to college in the US. Being a Division II athlete still requires a huge amount of training and games but the demands are less than Division I.
Division II schools will have less miles to travel throughout the course of the season. Both of these divisions often play against one another in pre-season scrimmages or in the OFF season.
You are also more likely to receive a higher athletic scholarship offer from a Division II school compared to a Division I. Another positive for NCAA Division II schools are that they are slightly more lenient on academic requirements for determinations on eligibility. Many student-athletes will attend a NCAA Division II school so that they can attain the GPA desired for a Division I school and then transfer. This is a common occurrence.
NCAA Division III schools (4 year) operate under a mandate that does not allow them to offer any athletic scholarships to students.
Student-athletes may receive other forms of financial aid, such as an academic scholarship. In order for an international student to make this option financially viable they will need to ensure that their academic grades are of the highest possible caliber.
This is due to the fact that you will be relying heavily on an academic scholarship only.
Student first, athlete second is emphasized to the greatest extent in NCAA Division III schools.
NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) schools (4 year) are completely separate to the NCAA. Due to the lower academic entry requirement levels this is a fantastic option for international students.
The NAIA most certainly contains the highest international student-athlete body than any of the alternative divisions. Due to the vast array of diversity within the NAIA student body it provides a platform for an extremely high level of competition.
NAIA schools are comparable size and level wise with NCAA Division II schools.
However, some of the strongest NAIA programs will compete comfortably with Division I programs. Many players within the NAIA have continued on to play professionally after college.
Professional clubs and scouts keep a close eye on the NAIA as they are aware of the international talent on display.
NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) governs intercollegiate athletics for community colleges and junior colleges.
NJCAA are 2-year colleges which offer associate degrees before a student transfers to a 4-year university and completes an undergraduate degree.
Student-athletes who may not qualify for eligibility clearance within the NCAA or NAIA may wish to attend a NJCAA school first to attain the required GPA to transfer to a 4 year school.
College coaches at the NJCAA level are able to provide a great college experience with highly competitive games and tournaments.
Because JUCO is a stepping stone for its athletes, college coaches are instrumental in putting together an attractive schedule to offer athletes the right platform to transfer to another school once they have earned enough college level credits.
There are several reasons why JUCO is a great place for a number of athletes in case they are limited by:
Poor academic results in high school could make it difficult for you to get accepted by a 4-year school.
Insufficient academic results to fulfill NCAA or NAIA eligibility requirements.
Lower financial capabilities to invest in education (2 years on 2-year and 2 years on 4-year school is often more affordable).
Competition is set-up in 3 different divisions, with different implications for the schools in regards to athletic financial aid:
NJCAA Division I; May award full tuition, fees, room & board, and course-related books/supplies.
NJCAA Division II; May award full tuition, fees, and course-related books/supplies.
NJCAA Division III; May not offer any athletically-related financial aid.