Understanding the Different College Divisions

Colleges are broken up into different divisions that have varying levels of academic and competition levels. 

The different divisions are governing bodies: 

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - Largest and most well-known college athletic governing body. It governs the athletic programs at over 1,200 schools across three divisions. 

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) - Oldest college athletic governing body. It governs over 250 schools that compete in one division. 

National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) - Largest governing body for community colleges and junior colleges. Schools are divided into three divisions.