With nearly 350 colleges and universities in its membership, Division I schools are subdivided based on football sponsorship. Schools that participate in bowl games belong to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS or IA).
Those that participate in the NCAA-run football championship belong to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS or I-AA).
The Division III experience offers participation in a competitive athletic environment that pushes student-athletes to excel on the field and build upon their potential by tackling new challenges across campus.
Academics are the primary focus for Division III student-athletes. The division minimizes the conflicts between athletics and academics and helps student-athletes progress toward graduation through shorter practice and playing seasons and regional competition that reduces time away from academic studies.
Division II is a collection of almost 300 colleges and universities that provide thousands of student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level of scholarship athletics while excelling in the classroom and fully engaging in the broader campus experience. This balance, in which student-athletes are recognized for their academic success, athletics contributions, and campus and community involvement, is at the heart of the Division II philosophy.
Opportunities such as Junior College, NAIA, and Preparatory Schools are also options for some student-athletes. Junior Colleges afford opportunities to earn credits while maturing as a student and athlete, while prep schools offer similar opportunities without the college credits.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. Separate from the NCAA, they have their own governing bodies, leagues, and rules.