Types of College/University

Colleges/Universities are separated into divisions based on credentials such as their size, curriculum and funding. The level of university you attend will depend on your academic and technical ability. All US leagues are full of high quality individuals and teams, so you will be regularly competing against high quality which will improve you as a result.

NCAA - National Collegiate Athletic Association
A voluntary organisation which governs US college/university athletic programs. It is divided into 3 competitive divisions. It also has the strictest eligibility requirements and regulations.

NCAA Div 1 is the largest, strongest division
NCAA Div 2 is for smaller colleges/universities
i.e. smaller athletic departments and student numbers. However, it is worth noting that as the divisions are based on things other than performance, that the top NCAA Div 2 schools can be better in performance to teams in NCAA Div 1.
NCAA Div 3 do not offer scholarships.

NAIA - National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
A smaller organisation than NCAA with fewer sports offered and member institutions. NAIA is of similar level to NCAA Div 2.

NJCAA - National Junior College Athletic Association
Preparation schools for student athletes to gain the minimum eligibility requirements for larger schools. 2 year schools, with option to transfer to NCAA or NAIA for a further 2 years.