NCAA Division III (D3) is where the true student-athlete studies and competes. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the main governing body of collegiate sports, dividing levels of classification into three divisions. D3 institutions are largely regarded as leading academic institutions and do not offer athletic scholarships. Still, athletics in D3 is highly competitive. There are over 136,000 athletes at over 430 D3 colleges and universities and each one is studying to earn a valuable degree in preparation for the workplace while playing the sport that he or she loves.

For D3 athletes, sports have been an integral part of our lives since our youth. From elementary school through high school, sports have complemented our educational experience.

And as college looms, we want to continue playing the sport we love while receiving an education from a first-rate college. A D3 school is that fit.

How D3 is Distinct…

• Athletes at D3 colleges and universities receive no financial aid on the basis of athletic merit, although substantial financial aid and academic merit scholarships are available at most D3 institutions.

• D3 schools place highest priority on the overall educational experience; athletics is a complement to academics and overall residential experience.

• D3 student-athletes are well rounded and take advantage of extracurricular activities in college. At the D1 and D2 levels, athletics are a student's life and they have limited availability to college life outside of their respective sport.