Divisions

College sports is split into three main governing bodies. Each organization has different advantages, which is something that we go over in our individual consultations. Read on below to learn more about the divisions.

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA):

Consisting of 241 member schools spread across the country.

The NAIA tends to have greater diversity and holds more lenient laws when it comes to student-athlete eligibility, making it particularly appealing to international students.

NAIA-affiliated institutions offer academic and athletic scholarships.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA):

Largest of the organizations with the most active members and athletes. It is split into three divisions:

  • Division 1, 363 schools, offering the largest budgets and highest level of competition.

  • Division 2, 300 schools, offering a balance of academic and athletic scholarships.

  • Division 3, 436 schools, a well-rounded option with a focus on maintaining a balance between academic and athletic pursuits. Need-based financial aid is provided, as well as academic scholarship.

National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA):

A two-year schooling option that can be a good way of getting into the college system before transferring.

The NJCAA is split into 3 divisions and has far lower tuition costs than typical 4-year institutions and less stringent academic requirements.

NJCAA offers an option for students to gain college experience, and important exposure, to enable the potential transfer to 4-year institutions upon graduation.