The advantages of competing in college sports are both immediate and lifelong. Participating in college sports provides opportunities to learn, compete and succeed. Student-athletes receive top-notch academic support, quality medical care and regular access to outstanding coaching, facilities and equipment. Student-athletes as a group graduate at higher rates than their peers in the general student body and feel better prepared for life after college.
Learn more about the three divisions
College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or Division II school need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework.
Are you ready to play college sports? Download this brochure to find out.
Play Division I sports
Division I schools, on average, enroll the most students, manage the largest athletics budgets, offer a wide array of academic programs and provide the most athletics scholarships. Click here for information on time demands for Division I student-athletes.
Play Division II sports
Division II schools provide growth opportunities through academic achievement, high-level competition and a focus on community engagement.
Play Division III sports
Division III schools provide an integrated environment focusing on academic success while offering a competitive athletics environment. If you are planning to attend a Division III school, you do not need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Know before you go:
Learn more about choosing the right school with these resources:
- Choosing A College
- Recruiting Fact Sheet
- Recruiting
- Scholarships
- Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
Hoping to go pro? For most student-athletes, the experiences of college sports and the life lessons they learn along the way help them pursue careers in business, education, athletics administration, communications, law, medicine and many more fields.
Learn more about the probability of going pro
Playing sports for an NCAA school is not your only option. Check out the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) or the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for other opportunities.