Internespo > Guide > College Sports > College Divisions

There are three different college divisions. The NCAA Division 1, 2 and 3 with over 1,200 members. The NAIA for small schools and the NJCAA for community colleges.

Key Takeaways

• The NCAA has the most members, is highly competitive and most professional
• NCAA schools are divided into Division I, II and III, with different rules and regulations
• The NAIA governs smaler colleges and the NJCAA governs community colleges

NCAA Division I

• • Most competitive and professional sports environment
  • Largest enrolment, highest athletic budgets, and most scholarships
  • See Internespo’s complete list of all NCAA Division 1 Men’s Soccer Colleges (coming soon)

These schools have the largest student enrolment, biggest athletic budgets, and the most athletic scholarships. Most collegiate sporting events you see on TV, such as March Madness and the College World Series, are competitions between Division I Schools.

Most competitive: Division I has usually the best athletes in the sport, and the competition for a spot on the team is fierce. The DI athlete is truly dedicated to their sport for the next four years, as they are expected to train intensely and travel extensively. *Ivy League schools are Division I but do not offer academic or athletic scholarships

NCAA Division II

• • Competitive balance between academics and atheltics
  • Better chance for a full scholarship and playing time in your first years
  • See Internespo’s complete list of all NCAA Division 2 Men’s Soccer Colleges (coming soon)

Student-athletes who want a high level of competition while having more of a balance between academics and athletics are a great suit for Division II sports. It is also a great way to receive some scholarship and a lot of playing time.

NCAA Division III

• • Largest division, but without athletic scholarships
  • Strong focus on academics, which is often rewarded with scholarships
  • See Internespo’s complete list of all NCAA division 3 Men’s Soccer Colleges (coming soon)

Division III is the largest of all the NCAA divisions. However a key difference in Division III is that there are no athletic scholarships- but a majority of athletes are on some form of academic or need-based aid. Student-athletes who want a well-rounded college experience, with time for activities outside of the sport and classroom, are a great fit for this division.

NAIA

• • Smaller schools with small athletic budgets
  • Opportunities for students to pay less for their degree
  • See Internespo’s complete list of all NAIA Men’s Soccer Colleges (coming soon)

NAIA schools are often smaller schools with relatively small athletic budgets, similar to Division III. However, they do offer athletic scholarships which can provide opportunities for students to pay less to get a degree while continuing to play the sport they love. The NAIA awards close to $500 million in athletic scholarships every year, allowing for more aggressive recruiting to bring higher level talent to these schools.

NJCAA

• • 2-year junior or community colleges, learn more about higher education in the US
  • An affordable way to improve and set yourself up for a four-year college
  • See Internespo’s complete list of all NJCAA Men’s Soccer Colleges (coming soon)

For students that are looking for a more affordable college option and plan to attend a 2-year community college, there are opportunities to be a student-athlete and receive an athletic scholarship. In addition to the cost-savings, athletes can use this as an opportunity to improve and ultimately get a spot on a four-year college roster.