NCAA Division 1 Schools

These schools have the second highest amount of student athletes. Their wide variety of programs represent the largest athletic budget in the NCAA, and a sizable portion of the available athlete scholarships. This division alone represents $2.7 billion in athletic scholarships.

• 351 Schools
• 56% receive scholarship aid
• 83% Graduation Success Rate
• 161,000 student athletes
• Average: 19 teams per school
• 26 National Championships yearly

NCAA Division 2 Schools

Home to the third-highest amount amount of student athletes in the NCAA, these schools combine a high level of academic achievement and athletic competition.

• 310 Schools
• 61% receive scholarship aid
• 71% Graduation Success Rate
• 109,800 student athletes
• Average: 15 teams per school
• 25 National Championships yearly

NCAA Division 3 Schools

With the highest amount of schools and student athletes, schools in Division 3 provide the most opportunities for student athletes to pursue academic studies supported by financial assistance from their athletic skills.

• 447 Schools
• 82% receive scholarship aid
• 87% Graduation Success Rate
• 179,000 student athletes
• Average: 18 teams per school
• 28 National Championships yearly

Other Benefits for Student Athletes

There are more perks to being part of a collegiate team than just the financial assistance, too, such as:

• Student-athletes have regular access to top-notch coaching, facilities and equipment. These resources typically cost Olympic athletes thousands of dollars per year.
• Student-athletes have access to cafeteria “training tables” on campus, with Division I and II schools permitted to furnish unlimited meals. In addition, some schools hire nutritionists and dieticians to work with each student-athlete.
• Student-athletes have the opportunity to travel across the country and around the world for regular-season contests, NCAA championships and foreign tours. These experiences can open doors in both the sporting world and in other professions.
• Increasingly, the business world is focusing on creating a team environment with employees. By competing in college sports, student-athletes learn important skills such as leadership, time management and how to work with others toward a common goal.
• A college degree has a direct impact on a person’s quality of life. A 2013 report by The College Board shows that the median lifetime earnings of bachelor’s degree recipients are 65 percent higher than those of high school graduates.

For more information on scholarship statistics, please visit scholarshipstats.com.