What are the differences in collegiate levels?

The University of Iowa is a large Division I school with a large fan base that sells out its stadiums on a regular basis. Photo credit to the University of Iowa
Division I (D1)

Level of competition: Highest and most intense level of college athletics

Athletic scholarships: Can offer full and partial scholarships (varies by sport)

Time commitment: Very demanding—training, travel, games often feel like a job

School size & resources: Usually large universities with big budgets, facilities, and national exposure

Media & fan presence: Televised games, large crowds, strong school spirit

Goal for athletes: Many hope to compete professionally

Examples:

University of Alabama

University of Iowa or Iowa State University

Duke University

UCLA
Grand Valley State University is a public university in Allendale, Michigan, with a main campus and other campuses and centers throughout the state. Photo credit to the Grand Valley State University
Division II (D2)

Level of competition: Very competitive, but slightly less intense than D1

Athletic scholarships: Offers partial athletic scholarships (often combined with academic aid)

Time commitment: Significant, but generally more balanced with academics

School size & resources: Mid-sized schools with solid facilities

Media & fan presence: Smaller crowds and less national coverage

Goal for athletes: High-level competition with more academic flexibility

Examples:

Grand Valley State University

Northwest Missouri State University

Winona State University
NYU is a prestigious university located in downtown New York City. Photo credit to New York University.
Division III (D3)

Level of competition: Competitive, but focused more on participation and development

Athletic scholarships: No athletic scholarships (can receive academic/need-based aid)

Time commitment: Less demanding; athletics fit around academics

School size & resources: Often smaller, private colleges

Media & fan presence: Minimal media coverage; community-focused

Goal for athletes: Love of the game, balance with academics and campus life

Examples:

Wartburg College

NYU

Coe College

Augustana College
St. Ambrose University is a small private Catholic college located in west Davenport. Iowa. Photo credit to St. Ambrose University
NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

Level of competition: Competitive and comparable to lower-level NCAA Division I, II, or III programs depending on the school

Athletic scholarships: Yes—athletic scholarships are available and can be combined with academic/need-based aid

Time commitment: Moderate to high; significant commitment but often more flexible than NCAA Division I

School size & resources: Typically small to mid-sized private colleges; fewer resources than large NCAA schools but strong community feel

Media & fan presence: Limited national coverage; strong local and campus support

Goal for athletes: Competitive athletics with balance between academics, athletics, and campus involvement

Examples:

Dordt University

Grand View University

Clarke University

St. Ambrose University
Scott Community College is one of there colleges that make up the Eastern Iowa Community College District. Photo credit to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges.
JUCO (Junior College / NJCAA)

Level of competition: Varies widely; can be highly competitive, especially at top JUCO programs, with a strong focus on development and advancement

Athletic scholarships: Yes—athletic scholarships are available and often combined with academic/need-based aid

Time commitment: Moderate to demanding; similar practice and travel schedules to four-year colleges

School size & resources: Two-year community or junior colleges; fewer resources than four-year schools, but strong coaching at many programs

Media & fan presence: Limited media coverage; local and campus-based support

Goal for athletes: Skill development, academic progress, and transferring to a four-year college or university

Examples:

Iowa Western Community College

Indian Hills Community College

Kirkwood Community College

Snow College

Stories Using This Infobox

Pleasant Valley’s pipeline to Division 1: PV girls raise the bar in athletics

Spartan Shield

Spartan Shield

Spartan Shield

Spartan Shield