Differences Among the Three NCAA Divisions
It is NOT the quality of the soccer programs or institution. There are many Division 1 soccer programs that are very good....and some not so good. There are many Division 2 and 3 soccer programs that would be highly successful against Division 1 opponents and many that would not. Like any league that you currently play in – there is a wide range. The institution selects which division to play in and the delegation of the Division 1, 2 or 3 tag is based upon the following criteria:
Must offer at least 14 sports
Must offer a minimum amount of athletic aid (some exceptions).......academic aid also available
Must have participating male and female athletes in each of the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons
Must play a minimum number of contests against Division 1 opponents
Okay to play a national schedule
Attendance tends to be large to medium size institutions
Must offer at least 10 sports
Do not need to offer a minimum amount of athletic aid......academic aid also available
Do not need to have participating male and female athletes in each of the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons
Do not need to play a minimum number of contests against Division 2 opponents
More regional competition as opposed to national competition
Attendance tends to medium to smaller institutions
Do not need to offer a minimum number of sports
No athletic aid......academic aid still available
Do not need to have participating male and female athletes in each of the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons
Philosophical emphasis on balance between education and athletics
More regional competition as opposed to national competition
Attendance tends to medium to smaller institutions
Helpful NCAA Links
NCAA University Search by State
Print