The three divisions of the NCAA differ in many ways. Although many recruits aspire to compete at the D1 level, the right division for a recruit is the division that encompasses your competition goals, academic goals, and preferences. Consider all options to find the right fit–all divisions have great teams, players, and opportunities. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you're shopping for schools in the recruiting process.

1. Athletic Ability

The divisions are divided mainly along the lines of athletic ability. It's no secret that Division 1 is the pinnacle of NCAA athletics–these are the best players that combine their speed and athleticism with natural talent and size.That's not to say Divisions 2 and 3 do not have good players, but they are often less competitive than Division 1…and there are perks to this as well (see point # 3)!

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2. Academic Ability

An athlete that places high importance on education has different choices. There are great, highly selective colleges in all divisions, but Division 3 might be the division of choice for an athlete that cares about academics. Division 3 schools tend to have smaller campuses and a closer student body, allowing for smaller classes, more face-to-face time with professors, and flexible academic requirements. It is also important that the athlete considers the majors and academic programs of colleges before committing. If an athlete wants a particular major, it is important to choose a college or university that has a good program, regardless of division. Finally, remember that Division 1 and 2 schools offer athletic scholarships but Division 3 does not (though many D3 athletes find academic aid). The price of tuition should also be considered when it comes to the recruit's ability to rack up athletic and academic financial aid.

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3. Athletic and Academic Mix

The biggest difference between the NCAA divisions is the balance between athletics, schoolwork, and personal life. Division 1 will have the biggest emphasis on athletics. This means that most of the athletes' free time will be spent working on getting better at their desired sport, with less time for academics and personal hobbies. On the other end of the spectrum, Division 3 allows for less time to be devoted to athletics in the off season, giving the athlete more time to focus on passions or academic work. Division 2 is somewhere in the middle–there is a higher emphasis on athletics but not to the point of a Division 1 school. 

Throughout the recruiting process, understand that all three NCAA divisions will have a different emphasis on the relationship between athletes and academics. It is important to choose a school that has the best fit and that means you must assess your own goals and aspirations to figure out what is best for you. There is good competition across all divisions, so don't limit schools based on division alone–closely examine all schools to determine if they are a good fit. 

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* Originally published on April 5, 2023, by Ryan Wiley