If you are a student-athlete whose dream is to play at a collegiate level, you may already be looking at NCAA Division 1 schools. While NCAA Division 1 schools might be the first choice for many aspiring student-athletes, don’t overlook the hidden gems within Division 2. And while you might not be convinced to get into a Division II school, considering the advantages they offer could lead you to discover your perfect fit.
One major advantage of D2 schools is their more accessible acceptance rates compared to many Division 1 institutions. This means that student-athletes who might not meet the stringent academic or athletic requirements of Division 1 programs still have a chance to compete at a high level while pursuing their education.
With nearly 300 institutions to choose from, D2 schools offer a compelling alternative, especially if you’re seeking a balance between affordability, academic excellence, and competitive sports programs.
Read: How to get recruited as a college athlete?
Sounding better? Read on for the best division 2 schools that have a high acceptance rate.
10 Best NCAA Division 2 Schools with High Acceptance Rates
Cameron University
This public university in Lawton, OK has the Cameron Aggies as its athletic team that participates in 14 varsity sports, including D2 Men’s and Women’s basketball, cross-country, and golf. As a D1 team in the past, it won three District IX Men’s basketball championships in the 1970s and a football national championship in the 1980s.
- Acceptance rate: With its 100% acceptance rate, tops this list.
- Acceptance criteria: Applicants typically have an ACT average score of 16-21
- Tuition: $8,919
- Average cost per aid: $8,414
Adams State University
If you live near Alamosa, CO, the Adams State Grizzlies may want you. The D2 school’s athletic team has garnered over 946 All-Americans and many more national championships. Their teams participate in 18 varsity sports including Soccer, Swimming, Basketball, and Wrestling for both men and women.
- Acceptance rate: With its 99.8% acceptance rate, Adams State University is a close second.
- Acceptance criteria: It isn’t highly selective, requiring just a GPA of 3.18 (B-average students. However, admissions officials may see a C or D as your inability to handle college.
- Tuition: $21,848
- Average cost per aid: $14054
Missouri Western State University
If you hit Missouri Western State University when searching for your perfect Division 2 school in Missouri, you might find it to be your ideal spot. The good news is the Missouri Western Griffons compete in Division 2 sports, including basketball, football (Men’s), and volleyball (Women’s).
- Acceptance rate: Its 73.9% acceptance rate may put it last on this Top 3 list.
- Acceptance criteria: If you have a 2.5 high school GPA, you’re still eligible for admission.
- Tuition: $9,090
- Average cost per aid: $8,534
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester University of Pennsylvania is one of the best Division 2 colleges with 87.8% acceptance rate, which is incredible. The university currently fields 23 varsity Division II men’s and women’s teams. Three times in four years, WCU has had a student-athlete among the Top 30 candidates for the NCAA Woman of the Year honor.
- Acceptance rate: 87.8%
- Acceptance criteria: With a GPA of 3.45, West Chester University of Pennsylvania requires you to be around average in your high school class. You’ll need a mix of A’s and B’s, and very few C’s.
- Tuition: $22,295
- Average cost per aid: $13,183
Read more: Do Division 2 Schools give full athletic scholarships?
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University or GVSU is another excellent choice for Division II schools. The GVSU Lakers compete at the NCAA Division II level and offer 21 varsity sports including 11 for women and 10 for men.
Grand Valley women won GLIAC championships in cross country, volleyball, indoor track & field, basketball, swimming & diving, lacrosse, softball, golf and outdoor track & field.
Grand Valley men won GLIAC championships in football, cross country, swimming & diving, indoor track & field, golf, baseball and outdoor track & field.
Grand Valley varsity and club athletic teams brought home national titles, NCAA individual titles and the GLIAC’s President’s Cup for the 30th time recently.
- Acceptance rate: 90.4%
- Acceptance criteria: With a GPA of 3.47, Grand Valley State University requires you to be around average in your high school class. You’ll need a mix of A’s and B’s, and very few C’s.
- Tuition: $19,296
- Average cost per aid: $17,210
Nova Southeastern University
Another competitive D2 school, NSU competes in 16 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming and diving. Women play basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field and volleyball. Nova Southeastern University Sharks were crowned NCAA Division II Women’s Tennis National Champions recently after taking down conference foe Barry University.
- Acceptance rate: 75.8%
- Acceptance criteria: With a GPA of 3.97, Nova Southeastern University requires you to be at the top of your class.
- Tuition: $34570
- Average cost per aid: $25,737
Gannon University
Gannon University is your perfect choice for a Division II college with an acceptance rate of 80.8%. It’s a private Catholic university with campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Ruskin, Florida. Gannon offers 24 scholarship-granting varsity sports. Their athletic teams regularly participate in or qualify for conference and/or national postseasons.
- Acceptance rate: 80.8%
- Acceptance criteria: With a GPA of 3.65, Gannon University requires you to be above average in your high school class.
- Tuition: $34,526
- Average cost per aid: $21,964
Adelphi University
Some of Adelphi’s sports participated in Division I for a period of time – including men’s soccer. The University sponsors 23 varsity sports, with all but one competing at the Division II ranks (women’s bowling). Adelphi men’s lacrosse has won seven national championships and women’s lacrosse has won nine – both of which are records among all NCAA Division II institutions. Adelphi won six of the first 11 Commissioner’s Cups presented by the NYCAC. The school’s seven Cup wins stood as a NYCAC/ECC record – the most by any institution – until 2016 when Adelphi was seven years into its NE10 tenure.
- Acceptance rate: 72.8 %
- Acceptance criteria: With a GPA of 3.73, Adelphi requires you to be above average in your high school class. You’ll need at least a mix of A’s and B’s, with more A’s than B’s.
- Tuition: $42,475
- Average cost per aid: $28,993
California State Polytechnic University – Pomona
California State Polytechnic University – Pomona offers 11 varsity sports teams and offers student participation in a wide range of sports including baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, track and field, and volleyball. They have won 14 NCAA national championships. Current and former Cal Poly Pomona athletes have won 7 Olympic medals (3 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze). This is your best Division 2 school with high acceptance rate in California.
- Acceptance rate: 55.4%
- Acceptance criteria: Students must have a 2.50 GPA or higher in the 15 required “a-g” subject courses, with no grade lower than a C.
- Tuition: $19319
- Average cost per aid: $11,740
Maryville University
Maryville currently has 25 athletic teams competing in NCAA Division II. They offer 13 men’s sports and 12 women’s sports including basketball, bowling, golf, soccer, and lacrosse. Their wrestling team recently advanced four individuals to the 2024 NCAA Division II National Tournament out of the NCAA Super Regional IV in Indianapolis. It’s easy to get into this school as the acceptance rate is very high.
- Acceptance rate: 87.8%
- Acceptance criteria: With a GPA of 3.52, Maryville University of Saint Louis requires you to be around average in your high school class. You’ll need a mix of A’s and B’s, and very few C’s.
- Tuition: $27,166
- Average cost per aid: $24,450
Why Choose a Division 2 School?
Naturally, high school student-athletes dream of being accepted into an NCAA Division 1 school (and Empowerly can help you with that goal). However, if your situation calls for a more practical choice due to your GPA or test score, the schools above aren’t unacceptable because they have high admission rates.
Another consideration is that D2 athletes enjoy the advantages of more free time (it is less a full-time job like D1) and more play time (smaller chance of sitting on the bench for 2-3 years). If this sounds like a better fit for you, be sure to check out the three schools above, among many others.
Here are some of the most popular reasons to choose D2 schools:
- Balanced Focus: Division II schools often emphasize a balance between academics and athletics. While sports are competitive and taken seriously, there is typically less pressure and time commitment compared to Division I, allowing students to focus more on their studies or other extracurricular activities.
- Athletic Opportunities: Division II schools still offer competitive athletic programs and opportunities for student-athletes to excel in their chosen sports. Athletes can still receive athletic scholarships, compete at a high level, and potentially even continue their athletic careers professionally or in international competitions.
- Academic Quality: Many Division II schools offer strong academic programs with smaller class sizes, more personalized attention from faculty, and ample opportunities for research, internships, and other hands-on experiences.
- Community and Campus Life: Division II schools often have a tight-knit community and campus environment, where students can form strong relationships with peers, professors, and coaches. This can lead to a more supportive and engaging college experience.
- Opportunities for Growth: Students at Division II schools may have more opportunities to take on leadership roles, participate in campus organizations, and pursue personal and professional development initiatives due to the smaller size of the student body and the emphasis on holistic education.
- Financial Considerations: In some cases, Division II schools may offer more affordable tuition rates or financial aid packages compared to Division I institutions, making them a more financially viable option for some students.
FAQs about D2 Schools
What is a D2 school?
Division 2 (D2) schools are institutions of higher education that participate in the NCAA’s Division II level of athletic competition. These schools offer a balance between competitive athletics and academics. D2 schools provide student-athletes with opportunities to excel both in their sports and studies, often with smaller class sizes and more personalized attention.
Want to know more? Explore how NCAA D2 works here.
How many Division 2 schools are there?
There were nearly 300 Division 2 (D2) schools in the United States. Some states with notable numbers of D2 schools include: California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, North, Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Indiana.
Is D2 just as good as D1?
Division I schools have larger budgets, more extensive facilities, and higher levels of visibility due to televised games and greater media coverage. Division I also often attracts top-tier athletes and coaches, particularly in high-profile sports like football and basketball.
However, Division II schools offer competitive athletic programs as well, with dedicated athletes and coaching staff. While they may not have the same level of exposure or resources as Division I institutions, Division II schools provide opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level while also focusing on academics and personal development
Do division 2 schools offer athletic scholarships?
Yes, Division 2 (D2) schools do offer athletic scholarships, although they are less extensive than those offered by Division 1 schools. D2 schools have a set limit on the number of athletic scholarships they can award in each sport, and these scholarships can be partial or full scholarships.
Division 2 schools also provide valuable financial assistance to student-athletes. Additionally, many D2 institutions also offer academic scholarships and other forms of financial aid to help students offset the cost of attendance.
Learn from experts: How to get a sports scholarship?
Link: https://www.ncaa.com/
