THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NCAA DIVISION I, II & III COLLEGE BASKETBALL
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the most prominent group of academic institutions and college basketball programs. While most players, parents, coaches and fans are familiar with the Division I level, the NCAA is made up of over 1100 schools at three different levels.
NCAA DIVISION I
The most well known of the three divisions, the highest level of NCAA competition is made up of 363 schools and on average enroll the most students, have the largest athletic budgets and provide the most athletic scholarships.
NCAA DIVISION II
The smallest in number of programs (300+), the NCAA Division II level still offers a high level of competition and athletic scholarships but does not place quite the same emphasis on athletics as a Division I program.
NCAA DIVISION III
The largest of the three levels (440+ programs), NCAA Division III institutions will likely provide the most well rounded college experience for a student-athlete. Some of the programs at this level are at the top academic schools in the country and place an emphasis on academic success while still offering challenging basketball opportunities.
NCAA DIVISION I SCHOLARSHIPS
Can offer 13 full scholarships to both their Men’s and Women’s basketball programs
NCAA DIVISION II SCHOLARSHIPS
Uses a partial scholarship model and has a limit to 10 full scholarships to their basketball programs. (More about the Division II Partial Scholarship Model)
NCAA DIVISION III FINANCIAL AID
These programs are not allow to offer athletic financial aid and instead offer assistance to student-athletes through academic merit-based and/or need-based scholarships. Approximately 75% of Division III student-athletes receive some form of merit or need-based financial aid.
NCAA DIVISION I ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to compete during your first year at an NCAA Division I school, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Complete 16 Core Courses (What is a Core Course)
2. Earn at least a 2.3 GPA in those core courses
Note: As of January 2023, NCAA Division I and II removed standardized test scores from initial-eligibility requirements. Check with specific NCAA schools regarding whether standardized test scores are necessary for admission or scholarship requirements.
For more information, reference the NCAA Division I Academic Requirements Sheet.
NCAA DIVISION II ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to compete during your first year at an NCAA Division II school, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Complete 16 Core Courses (What is a Core Course)
2. Earn at least a 2.2 GPA in those core courses
Note: As of January 2023, NCAA Division I and II removed standardized test scores from initial-eligibility requirements. Check with specific NCAA schools regarding whether standardized test scores are necessary for admission or scholarship requirements.
For more information, reference the NCAA Division II Academic Requirements Sheet.
NCAA DIVISION III ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
Prospective student-athletes must meet the admissions standards set by each individual school.
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