NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA - Know Your Associations

ByAlexander Rudloff

4 min read

NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA - Know Your Associations

College sports in the United States is a lucrative, competitive and complicated system. Most sports recruits will recognize the NCAA, but what is the NAIA? What is the NCJAA? Knowing the difference between the various athletic associations is important sports trivia for both athletes and fans alike.

What is the NCAA?

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a non-profit organization that regulates college sports at 1,268 different North American colleges. When people think of college sports, chances are they're thinking of the NCAA.

The NCAA consists of three divisions – Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3.

What does Division 1 mean?

NCAA Division 1 schools are typically the largest schools competing at the the highest, most competitive level of play. D1 teams typically play a national schedule and they offer full scholarships for many if not all of their sports, and have more rules from the NCAA to ensure that they remain at the highest levels of competitive play.

Ivy League schools are an exception in that they compete at the D1 level but do not offer scholarships. The Ivy League consists of Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Yale.

For football, Division 1 breaks down into two subdivisions. FBS and FCS, formerly known as Division 1a and Division 1aa.

FBS vs FCS

FBS stands for "Football Bowl Subdivision" and FCS stands for "Football Championship Division." The FBS level of college football consists of the biggest, most well-known teams in college sports. As massive as this division is, however, there is no formal NCAA champion declared. Instead championships are determined via national poll rankings determined after annual bowl games are played – hence the name "bowl" subdivision. The playoff at the FBS level of NCAA football is actually a series of contracts with bowl games to mimic a traditional NCAA playoff, but is not formally run or owned by the NCAA.

Conversely, FCS stands for the "Football Championship Division." This level of NCAA D1 Football has a formal NCAA managed playoff that determines an NCAA champion.

What does Division 2 mean?

Division 2 of the NCAA typically consists of smaller schools than Division 1. While many play teams nationally, at the D2 level most competition happens regionally. Partial athletic scholarships are more common at the D2 level.  

The NCAA requirements for D2 are less than they are for D1. There are no minimum fan attendance requirements, they can play an easier schedule, and they can offer less sports (5 sports are required for D2 vs 6 for D1).

What does Division 3 mean?

While D3 is often considered the "smallest" of divisions, it's actually the largest in overall membership. The biggest difference between D3 and the other divisions is that there are no athletic scholarships available. It's important to note, however, that there are plenty of financial scholarships and academic scholarships available and offered to D3 athletes.

The emphasis at the D3 level is often on the value competing in sports at a high level offers the individual. It's very much a "for the love of the game" atmosphere that allows student athletes to contribute with perhaps less time commitments than the other two "higher" divisions might require.  It's an opportunity to compete at what is still considered an extremely high level, while also earning an excellent degree from what usually is a smaller private college.

What is the NAIA?

NAIA stands for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities and is much smaller in total membership than the NCAA. There are currently 249 organizations that compete within the NAIA.

The NAIA consists of two divisions, with their Division 1 being similar to Division 2 of the NCAA. The biggest difference with the NAIA overall is that it offers a much more flexible set of rules for its member institutions. Schools and individual leagues within the association can set their own rules and budgets instead of conforming to the highly regulated existence of an NCAA school.

Both the NCAA and NAIA exist to serve student athletes, and member institutions in both leagues offer tremendous opportunities to athletes in all sports.

What is the NJCAA?

NJCAA stands for the National Junior College Athletic Association.  The NJCAA consists of schools that are community colleges and junior colleges, meaning the offer 2 year degrees. Transferring to a NCAA or NAIA institution to complete a 4 year education afterwards is common.

These "JuCo" schools often offer friendlier admission to athletes with lower GPAs and test scores. Sometimes foreign players attend a JuCo to work on their english skills before transferring to a NCAA or NAIA as well. Junior Colleges also offer a great way to continue developing athletic talents before "stepping up" to a more competitive level.

Many NJCAA institutions are able to offer scholarships and assist with financial requirements.


Alex Rudloff is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of GMTM.com. He believes that UCF would have beaten Alabama in 2017 and he'll die on that hill.


Are you an Athlete?

Create a free profile to access the largest network specifically designed to connect athletes to opportunities. Get started.

RELATED ARTICLES
Benefits of a High-School All-American Game

Benefits of a High-School All-American Game

There are over 1 million High School football players competing for greatness each year. All-Star...

ByMathias Torp | Wed Nov 08 2023
5 College Factors to Consider and Compare

5 College Factors to Consider and Compare

Choosing a college to attend is one of the most important decisions a student can make. Researching...

ByMathias Torp | Wed Nov 08 2023
The Different Levels of Collegiate Football

The Different Levels of Collegiate Football

The NCAA created three divisions in 1973, to provide fair opportunities for students to compete in...

ByMathias Torp | Wed Nov 08 2023
The Differences Between College and Junior College

The Differences Between College and Junior College

American football is a beloved sport in the United States, and many aspiring athletes dream of...

ByMathias Torp | Wed Nov 08 2023
About Boarding Schools in the US

About Boarding Schools in the US

Attending a Boarding School in the United States provides the ultimate educational experience for...

ByMathias Torp | Wed Nov 08 2023
Top Volleyball Drills for Beginners

Top Volleyball Drills for Beginners

Are you new to the sport of volleyball and looking for essential drills to improve your skills? In...

ByTiffany Allen | Wed Jul 12 2023
College Sports: Five Tips To Make The Most Of Your Freshman Season

College Sports: Five Tips To Make The Most Of Your Freshman Season

Entering a new situation and thriving is extremely difficult, but being a freshman student-athlete...

ByRebekah Morris | Thu Apr 27 2023
How To Play Professional Sports Outside Of The United States

How To Play Professional Sports Outside Of The United States

Are you a young athlete aspiring to travel the world? Have you wondered which sport(s) would give...

ByNisshanth Perumalsamy | Fri Apr 07 2023
Five Reasons Why College Basketball Coaches Rescind Scholarship Offers

Five Reasons Why College Basketball Coaches Rescind Scholarship Offers

It’s what you have dreamed of, worked for, and waited on your whole life - a coveted college...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Feb 13 2023
American Football: How To Play Professional Football In Another Country?

American Football: How To Play Professional Football In Another Country?

Yes, it is definitely possible to play American football overseas. However, this is not common...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Jan 26 2023
How similar is the NCAA Transfer Portal to free agency in professional sports?

How similar is the NCAA Transfer Portal to free agency in professional sports?

The NCAA Transfer Portal is a great platform that is beneficial to student-athletes. It allows...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Dec 02 2022
What It's Like To Play Professional Volleyball In A Different Country

What It's Like To Play Professional Volleyball In A Different Country

At some point throughout their lifetime, every athlete has the dream to play professionally, even...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Nov 16 2022
Four Of The Most Important Skills Every Soccer Goalkeeper Has To Develop

Four Of The Most Important Skills Every Soccer Goalkeeper Has To Develop

Goalkeepers are really the only ones on the field who you can't compete without. Don't have a...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Nov 16 2022
Transfer Portal: Does Every Athlete Who Transfers Find A New College To Play For?

Transfer Portal: Does Every Athlete Who Transfers Find A New College To Play For?

On the 15th of October, 2018 the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) introduced a...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 19 2022
How To Participate In The U.S. Aerials Ski Team Digital Combine On GMTM

How To Participate In The U.S. Aerials Ski Team Digital Combine On GMTM

If you’ve ever tried the sport of skiing, you’ve certainly felt the rush that comes when you speed...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 29 2022
The Future Of Sportscasting Is In College Classrooms

The Future Of Sportscasting Is In College Classrooms

Whenever fans watch college sports, it’s obvious that their entire focus is on the athletes on the...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Sep 26 2022
USA Bobsled and Skeleton Hosts Third Annual Digital Combine For Hopeful Olympic Athletes

USA Bobsled and Skeleton Hosts Third Annual Digital Combine For Hopeful Olympic Athletes

Coaches from the United States’ Olympic teams are serious about helping athletes from different...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 22 2022
Running: Can a long distance runner turn into a sprinter?

Running: Can a long distance runner turn into a sprinter?

Long-distance running is very different from sprint. It is interesting to see how athletes...

ByJamison White | Tue Sep 20 2022
Is playing College Soccer the best route to making the MLS?

Is playing College Soccer the best route to making the MLS?

Earlier this month, we witnessed the 2021 Major League...

ByJohnathan Wright | Sat Sep 17 2022
College Basketball: What Is The NCAA Transfer Portal And How Does It Work

College Basketball: What Is The NCAA Transfer Portal And How Does It Work

With the ever-changing NCAA and college athletics scene, transfer athletes have become more and...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 15 2022
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Partners With GMTM For Future Athlete Identification

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Partners With GMTM For Future Athlete Identification

Have you watched the Olympic Winter Games and thought, ‘I want to do that’? Now you have the...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Sep 12 2022
How Athletes From Different Backgrounds Are Discovering Handball On GMTM

How Athletes From Different Backgrounds Are Discovering Handball On GMTM

Cinch Smith took a familiar route to find a place in college baseball. The 6’1” right-handed...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 01 2022
How To Participate In USA Team Handball’s Collegiate Athlete Network

How To Participate In USA Team Handball’s Collegiate Athlete Network

The handballers that represent the United States in international competition come from a variety...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Aug 24 2022
With Oklahoma and Texas to SEC, what happens to the Big 12?

With Oklahoma and Texas to SEC, what happens to the Big 12?

Conference realignments are a part of college sports. As different schools gain and lose...

ByAria Modirmassihai | Sat Aug 20 2022
Track & Field: Will there ever be another Usain Bolt?

Track & Field: Will there ever be another Usain Bolt?

The world of athletics will never forget the man who rose to dominate the sport for several...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Aug 17 2022
5 Mental Tricks To Help a Volleyball Player Who Is Struggling

5 Mental Tricks To Help a Volleyball Player Who Is Struggling

No matter who you are, no matter what kind of athlete you are, no matter how talented you are,...

ByRebekah Morris | Thu Jul 28 2022
Differences Between the NAIA to the NCAA

Differences Between the NAIA to the NCAA

Everyone is familiar with the NCAA and its 3 subsequent divisions as where the top collegiate...

ByAria Modirmassihai | Wed Jul 27 2022
Four Keys To Staying Healthy On And Off The Field

Four Keys To Staying Healthy On And Off The Field

This weekend's tragic death of a Virginia Union University football player has brought up the often...

ByMatt Wright | Tue Jul 26 2022
5 Best Volleyball Drills and Workouts to Improve Blocking

5 Best Volleyball Drills and Workouts to Improve Blocking

In volleyball, blocking is the first form of defense. Your blockers, where you place them, and...

ByRebekah Morris | Tue Jul 19 2022
How To Do A Volleyball Jump Serve: Step-By-Step Instructions

How To Do A Volleyball Jump Serve: Step-By-Step Instructions

The Jump Serve, also called the spike serve, is an essential skill for any player to learn. Players...

ByRebekah Morris | Sun Jul 17 2022
How does the sport of Rowing work in the Summer Olympics?

How does the sport of Rowing work in the Summer Olympics?

One of the oldest Olympics sports is Rowing. It is a sport that tests the level of endurance and...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Jul 13 2022
What is the Difference between Field Hockey and Ice Hockey?

What is the Difference between Field Hockey and Ice Hockey?

Field Hockey is a sport where each team carries a hard plastic ball with the stick to the rival’s...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Jul 12 2022
Two Jobs Every College Gymnast Can Get After Their Gymnastics Career

Two Jobs Every College Gymnast Can Get After Their Gymnastics Career

It is important to understand that you cannot do gymnastics forever. Really, there is not much in...

ByTiana Schoney | Thu Jul 07 2022
The Benefits of Playing at a Power 5 School

The Benefits of Playing at a Power 5 School

Whether you are hoping to go pro or just looking to continue your sports career through college,...

ByBryan Armetta | Wed Jun 29 2022
Five Sports That Could Produce The Best U.S. Rowing Athletes

Five Sports That Could Produce The Best U.S. Rowing Athletes

Cross-country athletes have said for centuries that their sport is every other sports' punishment....

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Jun 22 2022
Are Lacrosse Players Better than Than You At Your Own Sport?

Are Lacrosse Players Better than Than You At Your Own Sport?

Lacrosse is one of the nation's fastest growing youth sports. Since Lacrosse is a combination of...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Jun 16 2022
Olympic Talent-Transfer: How These Former College Athletes Made The USA Handball Team

Olympic Talent-Transfer: How These Former College Athletes Made The USA Handball Team

Like many other Olympic sports, talent-transfer athletes make up a majority of the talent pool in...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Jun 15 2022
How To Transfer Schools As A College Volleyball Athlete

How To Transfer Schools As A College Volleyball Athlete

Whether you got recruited to your dream school or took your only offer, sometimes a transfer can be...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Jun 14 2022
How to Make Money as an Athlete

How to Make Money as an Athlete

As College Athletics test the limits of Name Image and Likeness (NIL) to funnel money directly to...

ByLeland | Thu Jun 02 2022
Why Athletes Hoping To Benefit From NIL Should Start Filming Everything They Do

Why Athletes Hoping To Benefit From NIL Should Start Filming Everything They Do

Between the ability to focus more on the sport they play and begin to take care of themselves and...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri May 13 2022
How to Become the Best Outside Player and Make Coaches Believe It

How to Become the Best Outside Player and Make Coaches Believe It

Outside hitters have been voted over and over again, by players and coaches, as one of the most...

ByRebekah Morris | Sun May 01 2022
How Important Is Film Study For College Sports Recruits?

How Important Is Film Study For College Sports Recruits?

Once recruits have secured offers and made their commitment for college football, it’s easy to...

ByGarrett Brooks | Sat Apr 23 2022
Volleyball: How To Become a Better Passer

Volleyball: How To Become a Better Passer

Passing is a necessary skill needed to boost your play level from good to great. I have heard a...

ByRebekah Morris | Mon Apr 18 2022
College World Series: How The Tournament Works

College World Series: How The Tournament Works

This year's edition of the College World Series is set to kick off on Saturday, July 19th. The CWS...

ByBryan Armetta | Fri Apr 15 2022
America's soccer stars don't play in college. Is the NCAA to blame?

America's soccer stars don't play in college. Is the NCAA to blame?

It’s no secret that the way the US treats the development of its athletes is significantly...

ByAria Modirmassihai | Fri Apr 15 2022
Speed Climbing: A Guide To The New Olympic Sport And How It Works

Speed Climbing: A Guide To The New Olympic Sport And How It Works

Speed climbing is a new Olympic sport that was added to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Speed...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Mar 17 2022
Life After Sports: Advice For Adjusting To Life Without Training And Competition

Life After Sports: Advice For Adjusting To Life Without Training And Competition

When you have been an athlete for as long as you can remember, it is hard to imagine a life without...

ByMyriam Glez | Sun Mar 06 2022
The Ten Most Followed College Sports Programs on Social Media

The Ten Most Followed College Sports Programs on Social Media

In the 21st century, having a strong social media following is one of the most important parts of...

ByAria Modirmassihai | Thu Dec 23 2021
What is Nordic Combined? The Ultimate Guide To The Winter Olympic Sport

What is Nordic Combined? The Ultimate Guide To The Winter Olympic Sport

The two events included in Nordic Combined are quite different: cross-country skiing, which...

ByScotty Jenkins | Sun Dec 19 2021
How does Speed Skating work in the Winter Olympics?

How does Speed Skating work in the Winter Olympics?

Speed skating is a type of ice skating where competitors race each other in traveling a particular...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Dec 06 2021