First off we have Division I schools. Schools within the Big Ten conference such as Penn State and Purdue as well as in the Big 12 as with Texas A&M, or Nebraska are all about BIG sports (as you might have guessed from their conference names). These schools along with many others are considered the highest level of intercollegiate sports. Consequently these schools tend to have larger athletics budgets, facilities, and a larger number of scholarships. Division one schools must follow strict bylaws and regulation to ensure fairness in competition.Division II schools fall right behind the top tier of college athletics. These schools put a greater emphasis on academic achievement in tandem with athletic success. Unlike Division I schools the financial aid caps are smaller and therefore students typically do not receive full scholarships for athletics. Schools within the Division II classification can offer high levels of competition while still allowing students to put their academics first.
Finally Division III schools operate differently than Division I and II. At this level students do not receive financial aid for their participation in athletic programs. Consequently, the emphasis is on the athletes experience as opposed to the spectators. Furthermore this is achieved by emphasizing regional, in-season conference competition.
To learn more about the different divisions check out the NCAA student’s website.
Last but certainly not least is club intramural sports. Offered at most colleges and universities club and intramural athletics allows non varsity students the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports. Depending on the school the offerings can be many or few. In any case club and intramural sports ensures there is something for everyone in the world of college athletics.
