What are the divisions of the NCAA?

• A. I, II, III
• B. Division I, Division II, Division III
• C. 1, 2, 3
• D. I, II, IV

Answer: (B)

The divisions reflect how the NCAA groups schools by size, resources, and competitive emphasis so programs can compete against peers with similar circumstances. The three divisions are Division I, Division II, Division III.

Division I typically includes larger schools with big athletic programs, more substantial athletic scholarships, and wide media exposure. Division II features a balance between athletics and academics, with partial athletic scholarships and teams that are competitive but generally not at the same resource level as Division I. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships and prioritize the student-athlete experience, balancing sports with academics and other campus activities.

These divisions are the official naming, distinguishing levels of competition and governance. The other formats (such as using numbers or a fourth division) don’t reflect how the NCAA categorizes its member institutions.