What is NAIA? NAIA is a college athletics governing body for small college athletics programs. The NAIA offers student-athletes an opportunity to earn athletic scholarships in 28 different sports at more than 250 schools across the country. NAIA stands for National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is made up of members who serve college athletes. The NCAA is divided into D1, D2, and D3 leagues. According to their website, they participate in 22 athletics conferences and there are 1,115 schools split as follows:
Division 1 includes 363 schools
Division 2 includes 314 schools
Division 3 includes 438 schools
Generally, athletes in D1 schools practice and train the hardest. D2 and D3 school athletes practice less, with D3 athletes practicing and training the least.