List of NCAA institutions

Introduction

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes. It comprises over a thousand institutions, conferences, and organizations. This article provides a comprehensive list of NCAA institutions, categorized by division and conference, and offers insights into their roles within the NCAA structure.

NCAA Structure

The NCAA is divided into three main divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. Each division is characterized by its own set of rules, regulations, and competition levels. The divisions are further subdivided into conferences, which are groups of colleges and universities that compete against each other.

Division I

Division I is the highest level of NCAA competition, known for its rigorous athletic programs and significant financial investment in sports. Institutions in this division are often large universities with substantial budgets and facilities. Division I is further divided into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), based on the level of football competition.

Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)

The FBS is the top tier of college football in the United States. It includes institutions that participate in bowl games and the College Football Playoff. Notable conferences within the FBS include the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Pac-12, and Big 12.

Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)

The FCS represents the second tier of NCAA Division I football. It features a playoff system to determine the national champion. Prominent conferences in the FCS include the MVFC, Big Sky, CAA, and SoCon.

Division II

Division II institutions balance athletics with academics, offering a more moderate level of competition compared to Division I. These schools often provide athletic scholarships but with fewer resources than their Division I counterparts. Division II is known for its regional competition structure, with conferences such as the GLVC, LSC, and NE-10.

Division III

Division III is the largest NCAA division in terms of the number of institutions. It emphasizes the overall college experience of student-athletes, with a focus on academics and participation rather than athletic scholarships. Notable conferences include the NESCAC, UAA, and SCAC.