Many athletes want to focus on the Division I label when they're being recruited, but sometimes the main difference is just that label. Did you know that in many schools, the individual sports teams within the school are in different divisions? So, even though you're being recruiting to a “DI school,” the team you're being recruited to may be in a different division.
Additionally, many DII, DIII, and NAIA teams are competitive with DI schools. This isn't the norm, but it definitely happens. Would you rather be on a high-performing DII/DIII team, or a middle-of-road DI team? Because of all these variables, knowing more than just the division label of schools you're looking at should play a significant role in where you decide to commit.
So, if being Division I doesn't always mean the best team, best coach, or best facilities, what really makes DI schools different from DII, DIII or NAIA?
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities and Campus Visits
This comes down to three main factors:
- How many sports the school sponsors
- Financial aid awards for athletic programs
- Level of competition
Sponsored Sports
A school is DI if it sponsors at least 7 programs for women and 7 for men OR 8 womens' programs and 6 mens'. In comparison, DII and DIII institutions only need to sponsor 5 men's and 5 women's programs.
Related: Why DI Doesn't Always Mean Top Notch Athletic Facilities
Financial Aid
In terms of financial aid, Division I programs must stay above the minimum amount of financial aid, while each individual sport has maximum awards to adhere to. DII programs have less money available for financial aid, and DIII schools offer no athletic scholarships.
Related: Athletic Scholarships by Division
Competition Level
Division I programs have strict guidelines about who they may compete against. All DI teams, aside from football and basketball, must play 100% of their minimum number of games and 50% of all games above the minimum against other DI schools. Throughout the season, basketball teams must play all but 2 of their games against DI teams.
Football is where it gets even more interesting: DI football is split into the championship division (FCS) and the bowl division (FBS). While the FCS is not as strict with competition requirements, FBS teams must meet or exceed an average of 15,000 in attendance at their games.
Related: College Football: FBS vs FCS
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on January 26, 2022, by Olivia Horgan
