From NCAA.org
Division III is the largest division in terms of number of institutions and number of participants in the NCAA. As a Presidents Council, we help ensure over 195,000 students at 446 institutions representing 44 conferences, can further their athletic careers while earning a degree. Division III is unique in not awarding athletic scholarships due to its unwavering commitment to the academic success of every student-athlete. The opportunity to play sports in college is a privilege, but we often forget taking part in collegiate athletics is also a choice. When high school seniors decide to be Division III student-athletes, their choice illustrates their passion for the sport and pursuit of an education. Division III student-athletes compete not for financial reward, but quite simply, for the love of the game.
Division III student-athletes are fueled by passion. They strive to do their best on the field and in the classroom because they realize the value in athletics lies beyond a scoreboard. From early morning practices and study sessions on the road, they learn dedication. From adjusting how they play the game according to their peers, they learn teamwork. From supporting others through ups and downs of a season and academic year, they learn what it takes to become a leader.
Colleges and universities that subscribe to the Division III Philosophy enable students to integrate – and balance – their athletics experience with academic interests and other co-curricular activities. It is not unusual to see a standout student-athlete serving as a peer student mentor or starring in a school play. Division III student-athletes are special because their identities they develop playing college sports propel them far beyond the court, track, or rink. In some cases, they do move on to successful careers as professional athletes. Often, however, they become leaders in our schools, hospitals, and governments. Division III alumni who are now working professionals look back on their participation in intercollegiate athletics as a critical part of their development, and something that will continue to shape them for the rest of their lives.
What Does Division III Offer?
• Division III athletics provides a well-rounded collegiate experience that involves a balance of rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and the opportunity to pursue the multitude of other co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities offered on Division III campuses.
• Division III playing season and eligibility standards minimize conflicts between athletics and academics, allowing student-athletes to focus on their academic programs and the achievement of a degree.
• Division III offers an intense and competitive athletics environment for student-athletes who play for the love of the game, without the obligation of an athletics scholarship.
• Division III athletics departments place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators. The student-athlete’s experience is of paramount concern.
• Division III athletics departments are dedicated to offering broad-based programs with a high number and wide range of athletics participation opportunities for both men and women.
• Division III places primary emphasis on regional in-season and conference competition, while also offering 36 national championships annually.
• Division III affords student-athletes the opportunity to discover valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, perseverance and leadership, which in turn make student-athletes better students and responsible citizens.
• Division III features student-athletes who are subject to the same admission standards, academic standards, housing and support services as the general student body. The integration of athletics with the larger institution enables student-athletes to experience all aspects of campus life.
