NCAA College Football Divisions Explained
Understanding Division I, II and III at a high level.
NCAA divisions differ in athletics structure, resources and scholarship rules. Division I football includes the Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision.
What readers should understand
Division II programs combine competitive athletics with different institutional models, while Division III generally does not award athletics scholarships. Individual schools may offer other forms of aid.
The division does not by itself determine academic quality, student experience or whether a particular team is a good fit for an athlete.
Important considerations
Students should review each school’s academic offerings, campus environment, costs and athletics expectations before making a decision.
Questions to ask
Before making decisions, check whether the information applies to your institution, location and individual circumstances. Rules and services may change, and the official organization responsible for a program is the best place to confirm current details.
Source and further reading
Official or educational reference. This explainer is independently written and is not endorsed by the linked organization.