Ask the Expert: What’s the Difference between NCAA Division I, II & III?

If you’re thinking about playing a varsity sport in college (or like following college sports in general!), you’ve probably heard the terms NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III (PLU’s 18 varsity athletic teams are part of Division III, aka D3).

So, what are the main differences between the divisions? We asked our Director of Athletics & Recreation, Mike Snyder, to weigh in and here’s what he had to say:

We actually hear this question a lot. What makes NCAA Division III athletics different than its counterparts in Division I and II? There are a multitude of differences that are all based around the various experiences and identities of each division. In Division III, we are centered around the student-athlete experience and being able to have a balanced experience of high-level academics alongside a high-level athletic experience. In alignment with that, one of the most notable differences between the divisions is that Division III does not offer merit/aid for athletic achievements (i.e. athletic scholarships).

While more than 80% of NCAA Division III student-athletes receive institutional aid like scholarships, grants, etc., none of it is due to successes on the field. This speaks to the ethos of the division that academics matter and athletics are in place to build out a high-level, comprehensive educational experience. Below are some additional facts to help navigate the differences. Overall, know that choosing D3 is a way to define your path by pursuing a highly competitive athletic and academic experience.