Extracurricular(s)
Best D2 Schools With High Acceptance Rate (2026)
A Division II (D2) school is a college or university that competes in NCAA Division II athletics.
There are nearly 300 D2 schools across the U.S., offering student-athletes the chance to compete at a high level without the rigid demands or ultra-selective admissions of Division I.
If you’re aiming to play varsity sports, earn a scholarship, or simply join a campus that supports both athletes and academic ambition, D2 schools can open real doors.
In this blog, you’ll find the best Division 2 schools with high acceptance rates, learn what makes them stand out, and find out why they might be the smart choice for your future.
10 Best NCAA Division 2 Schools with High Acceptance Rates
We selected these D2 schools based on publicly available admissions data, athletic program strength, and student access.
Each school on this list offers varsity-level NCAA Division II sports and an acceptance rate of 73% or higher, giving student-athletes more room to get noticed and get admitted.
If your GPA isn’t perfect or you're looking for more playing time and less admissions stress, these programs deserve a closer look.
1. Cameron University
Cameron University is a public D2 school in Lawton, Oklahoma, competing in the Lone Star Conference.
The Cameron Aggies participate in 14 varsity sports, including basketball, golf, and cross-country.
Previously a Division I program, the school has won a football national title and three District IX men’s basketball championships.
Today, it offers competitive athletics with broad access for incoming students.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Acceptance criteria: ACT score between 16 to 21
- Tuition: $8,919
- Average cost per aid: $8,414
Even with a GPA near 2.7 or modest test scores, you can still play and succeed at Cameron while paying one of the lowest tuitions on this list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_0Twufvj8A
2. Adams State University
Adams State is located in Alamosa, Colorado, and has built a powerhouse D2 program across 18 sports, including wrestling, soccer, and swimming.
Known for producing over 946 All-Americans and earning dozens of national titles, it’s a strong choice for athletes who want real results without elite-entry barriers.
Its small-campus setting and tight-knit team culture appeal to many first-gen and rural students.
- Acceptance rate: 99.8%
- Acceptance criteria: Minimum GPA of 3.18
- Tuition: $21,848
- Average cost per aid: $14,054
Students with B averages are admitted regularly, but weak transcripts with multiple C’s may still raise concerns in borderline cases.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkj8WmCqyXE
3. Missouri Western State University
Missouri Western, located in St. Joseph, offers Division II athletics across football, basketball, and volleyball.
It’s known for its connection to professional sports, having hosted NFL training camps in past years.
The Griffons compete in the MIAA conference, and the university serves many commuter and regional students looking for affordable, flexible options.
- Acceptance rate: 73.9%
- Acceptance criteria: 2.5 GPA or higher
- Tuition: $9,090
- Average cost per aid: $8,534
A 2.5 GPA meets the minimum — making Missouri Western a great choice if your academic record is uneven but you’re still driven to compete.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psYwn0wjLn4
4. West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester is a standout public university near Philadelphia with one of the largest D2 athletic departments, offering 23 varsity teams.
It competes in the PSAC conference and has received national recognition for its commitment to student-athlete success. WCU athletes have also been nominated multiple times for the NCAA Woman of the Year.
- Acceptance rate: 87.8%
- Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.45
- Tuition: $22,295
- Average cost per aid: $13,183
If you’re an average-B+ student with a well-rounded resume, West Chester offers one of the strongest D2 programs on the East Coast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK1BXh1ZsZc
5. Grand Valley State University
Located in Allendale, Michigan, GVSU is one of the top Division II athletic programs in the country.
The Lakers offer 21 varsity sports and have won the GLIAC President’s Cup more than 30 times. Their women’s and men’s teams dominate in sports like cross country, swimming, and track & field.
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.47
- Tuition: $19,296
- Average cost per aid: $17,210
Even if you’re just under a 3.5 GPA, GVSU remains highly accessible and is a solid bet for athletes seeking championship-caliber teams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuErzrWnCnY
6. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers 16 varsity sports and recently captured an NCAA D2 national title in women’s tennis.
It competes in the Sunshine State Conference and emphasizes both athletic and academic excellence. Facilities are state-of-the-art, and NSU has a national recruiting reach.
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.97
- Tuition: $34,570
- Average cost per aid: $25,737
You’ll need close to a 4.0 GPA for serious admission consideration, but NSU rewards that rigor with elite coaching, strong aid, and national visibility.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhIWQCNjgtk
7. Gannon University
Gannon University has campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Ruskin, Florida, and fields 24 varsity sports teams. It offers scholarships and postseason visibility in swimming, volleyball, wrestling, and more.
As a private Catholic school, Gannon also integrates leadership development and service into its student-athlete experience.
- Acceptance rate: 80.8%
- Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.65
- Tuition: $34,526
- Average cost per aid: $21,964
With a 3.6+ GPA, you’ll be well-positioned here, especially if you’re looking for a balance of faith, athletics, and career prep.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN5zmnUlX9U
8. Adelphi University
Adelphi, located in Garden City, NY, is one of the most decorated D2 schools in lacrosse history, with 16 national championships between its men’s and women’s programs. It offers 23 varsity sports, most of which are fully integrated into the NE10 conference.
- Acceptance rate: 78%
- Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.73
- Tuition: $42,475
- Average cost per aid: $28,993
Adelphi is ideal for student-athletes with a 3.7+ GPA who want to compete at a historic program with East Coast visibility and solid merit aid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVzWqyzmd5I
9. California State Polytechnic University – Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona, part of the California State system, competes in 11 D2 varsity sports and has won 14 NCAA championships. Alumni include Olympic medalists across several sports, and the school is known for strong STEM programs and hands-on learning.
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- Acceptance criteria: 2.5 GPA in required core courses
- Tuition: $19,319
- Average cost per aid: $11,740
With a 2.5 GPA in your “a–g” courses and no D’s, CPP gives you a shot at an athletic and academic experience few California D2 schools can match.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwK4ZkGHj2Y
10. Maryville University
Maryville University in St. Louis fields 25 athletic teams and competes in sports like basketball, lacrosse, bowling, and wrestling. The school recently sent four wrestlers to the 2024 NCAA D2 Nationals and has invested heavily in coaching and facilities.
- Acceptance rate: 94%
- Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.52
- Tuition: $27,166
- Average cost per aid: $24,450
If you’re around a 3.5 GPA, Maryville offers a wide range of athletic opportunities without hyper-selective admissions blocking the way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZd-tGqBRIA
11. Flagler College
Flagler College is a private liberal arts school in St. Augustine, Florida, competing in the Peach Belt Conference. The Saints field 17 varsity sports, including tennis, golf, cross country, and basketball. The campus itself is a draw — students live and study in the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, a stunning Spanish Renaissance building. Flagler offers strong academics in business, education, and communications alongside its athletic programs.
Acceptance rate: 78% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.4 Tuition: $23,440 Average cost after aid: $17,200
With a mid-3.0 GPA and a solid extracurricular profile, Flagler gives you a chance to compete in NCAA D2 on one of the most beautiful campuses in the South.
12. Rollins College
Rollins College, located in Winter Park, Florida, is a private liberal arts college competing in the Sunshine State Conference. The Tars field 23 varsity sports and have won over 20 NCAA national championships and more than 90 conference titles. Rollins combines a rigorous academic program with a strong athletic tradition, and its lakeside Central Florida campus offers year-round training weather.
Acceptance rate: 76% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.4 Tuition: $58,590 Average cost after aid: $30,000
Rollins is pricier than most D2 options, but generous aid packages and its championship pedigree make it a top-tier choice for athletes with solid B+ academics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aRZ43kzXb4
13. St. Edward's University
St. Edward's University is a private Catholic university in Austin, Texas, competing in the Lone Star Conference. The Hilltoppers offer 14 varsity sports, including soccer, basketball, golf, baseball, and tennis. Located in one of the most dynamic cities in the country, St. Edward's pairs a strong liberal arts curriculum with the energy of Austin's tech, music, and cultural scene.
Acceptance rate: 83% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.5 Tuition: $47,740 Average cost after aid: $24,500
A 3.5 GPA puts you in a strong position here, and Austin's job market gives graduates a real edge after college.
14. Colorado School of Mines
Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, is a public research university competing in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). The Orediggers field 19 varsity sports and have won NCAA D2 national championships in men's cross country (2015, 2019, 2022, 2024) and reached the football national championship game in 2022 and 2023. Mines is unique among D2 schools for its elite STEM academics and engineering focus.
Acceptance rate: 79% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.7 Tuition: $21,186 (in-state) / $42,486 (out-of-state) Average cost after aid: $22,000
You'll need strong math and science grades to thrive here, but if you're a STEM-focused athlete, Mines is hard to beat at the D2 level.
15. Truman State University
Truman State University, located in Kirksville, Missouri, is a public liberal arts university competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). Named after President Harry Truman, the Bulldogs field 20 varsity sports. The women's swimming and diving team has won seven NCAA national championships. Truman State is widely regarded as Missouri's premier public liberal arts school, offering exceptional value.
Acceptance rate: 76% Acceptance criteria: ACT 22–28 or GPA of 3.6 Tuition: $8,634 (in-state) / $15,818 (out-of-state) Average cost after aid: $13,500
One of the best academic values on this list — a B+/A- student from Missouri can get a championship-caliber D2 experience at a fraction of the cost of private schools.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI01oxS7weg
16. Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College is a private institution in Lakeland, Florida, competing in the Sunshine State Conference. The Moccasins field 23 varsity sports and have won over 30 NCAA D2 national championships, making it one of the most decorated D2 programs in history. The campus is also a UNESCO site, featuring the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
Acceptance rate: 78% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.6 Tuition: $40,400 Average cost after aid: $23,000
A 3.6 GPA and strong athletic credentials put you in play at one of the most historically dominant D2 athletic programs in the country.
17. Bentley University
Bentley University, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a private business-focused university competing in the Northeast-10 Conference. The Falcons field 24 varsity teams (23 in D2, with men's ice hockey at the D1 level). Bentley blends business education with the liberal arts and is known for its outstanding career placement rates, particularly in finance, accounting, and marketing.
Acceptance rate: 76% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.5 Tuition: $55,440 Average cost after aid: $34,000
Bentley is a premium investment, but if you want D2 athletics with a business-school pedigree that rivals many D1 programs, it belongs on your list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzOXapPNL14
18. Augustana University (SD)
Augustana University, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a private liberal arts university competing in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Vikings field 21 varsity sports and have a strong tradition in football, basketball, and track and field. Augustana is currently transitioning to NCAA Division I, but for now remains a powerhouse D2 program.
Acceptance rate: 80% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.5 Tuition: $38,488 Average cost after aid: $22,000
If you're looking for a program on the rise with a smooth transition path, Augustana offers D2 competition today with D1 aspirations on the horizon.
19. Anderson University (SC)
Anderson University is a private Christian university in Anderson, South Carolina, competing in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). The Trojans field 26 varsity sports, including a recently added football program. Anderson is known for its strong community, faith-centered education, and growing athletic investment.
Acceptance rate: 74% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.3 Tuition: $31,764 Average cost after aid: $19,000
A 3.3 GPA gets you a look at Anderson, and with 26 sports, there are opportunities across a wide range of athletic interests.
20. Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State Mankato is a large public university in Mankato, Minnesota, competing in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Mavericks field 21 varsity sports, with particular strength in football, wrestling, women's basketball, and track and field. The school offers over 130 academic programs and has a strong career services network serving the Upper Midwest.
Acceptance rate: 82% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.2 Tuition: $9,576 (in-state) / $17,530 (out-of-state) Average cost after aid: $14,500
Affordable in-state tuition, a large athletic department, and broad academic options make Mankato a standout public D2 choice for Midwest students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y0Ie4i_7jE
21. Molloy University
Molloy University, located in Rockville Centre, New York, is a private Catholic university competing in the East Coast Conference (ECC). The Lions field 20 varsity sports and have a strong presence in basketball, lacrosse, and soccer. Founded in 1955, Molloy is particularly well-known for its nursing and education programs, and its Long Island location provides easy access to New York City.
Acceptance rate: 82% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.4 Tuition: $36,700 Average cost after aid: $20,000
A solid B+ student with interest in healthcare or education can compete at D2 and graduate career-ready, all just 30 minutes from Manhattan.
22. Cedarville University
Cedarville University is a private Baptist university in Cedarville, Ohio, competing in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). The Yellow Jackets field 16 varsity sports, and 100% of students receive institutional grant aid (averaging around $18,300). Alumni include Paralympian Grace Norman, who won gold and bronze at the 2016 Rio Games. Cedarville's faith-centered community and strong academics make it a popular D2 choice.
Acceptance rate: 80% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.5 Tuition: $34,824 Average cost after aid: $21,500
If a faith-based campus, generous aid, and competitive athletics are all on your list, Cedarville checks every box with an accessible admissions bar.
23. Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private Lutheran university in Hickory, North Carolina, competing in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). The Bears field 24 varsity sports and have been nationally competitive in football, volleyball, and lacrosse. The university is also home to well-regarded programs in business, nursing, and education.
Acceptance rate: 83% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.3 Tuition: $39,500 Average cost after aid: $20,000
With a 3.3 GPA and athletic talent, Lenoir-Rhyne offers a well-rounded D2 experience in a mid-sized North Carolina city with a growing economy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSAABwVotLg
24. University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri, in Warrensburg, Missouri, is a public university competing in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). The Mules and Jennies field 15 varsity sports and have strong traditions in football, basketball, and track and field. UCM is known for its aviation, criminal justice, and education programs.
Acceptance rate: 86% Acceptance criteria: ACT of 21+ or GPA of 2.5 Tuition: $8,618 (in-state) / $16,426 (out-of-state) Average cost after aid: $12,000
One of the most affordable D2 options on this list — even a 2.5 GPA can get you in, and strong programs like aviation set UCM apart from the crowd.
25. Saint Anselm College
Saint Anselm College is a private Benedictine Catholic college in Manchester, New Hampshire, competing in the Northeast-10 Conference. The Hawks field 21 varsity sports, including football, lacrosse, ice hockey, and soccer. The school has hosted multiple presidential debates and is known for its political science, nursing, and criminal justice programs. 100% of students receive institutional aid (averaging $27,311).
Acceptance rate: 75% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.3 Tuition: $47,200 Average cost after aid: $27,000
Saint Anselm is ideal for athletes who want a small-college New England experience with national political relevance and strong merit aid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHm6BPSJfGk
26. Wingate University
Wingate University is a private university in Wingate, North Carolina, just outside Charlotte. The Bulldogs compete in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) across 23 varsity sports. Wingate has invested heavily in athletics in recent years, with new facilities and coaching hires elevating programs in football, basketball, swimming, and lacrosse. The school also offers strong pharmacy and business programs.
Acceptance rate: 78% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.3 Tuition: $39,620 Average cost after aid: $20,500
If you're looking for a growing D2 program near a major metro (Charlotte), Wingate offers upside with accessible admissions.
27. Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a public university in Indiana, Pennsylvania, competing in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The Crimson Hawks field 18 varsity sports and have historically strong programs in football, field hockey, and track and field. IUP is the largest university in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and offers over 140 undergraduate programs.
Acceptance rate: 89% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.0 Tuition: $12,446 (in-state) / $19,822 (out-of-state) Average cost after aid: $15,500
IUP is an outstanding value for Pennsylvania residents — a 3.0 GPA gets you in the door, and the PSAC conference delivers some of the best D2 competition in the country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHb_Ihqb71E
28. West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University is a public university in Canyon, Texas, competing in the Lone Star Conference. The Buffs field 13 varsity sports and have earned national recognition in football, basketball, and volleyball. Located just south of Amarillo, the campus offers an affordable, community-focused West Texas experience with strong agricultural science, engineering technology, and business programs.
Acceptance rate: 82% Acceptance criteria: Top 50% of class or ACT of 20+ Tuition: $9,312 (in-state) / $11,712 (out-of-state) Average cost after aid: $11,000
West Texas A&M is one of the cheapest D2 schools in the country, making it a strong choice for athletes who want to compete without taking on debt.
29. Tampa University
The University of Tampa is a private university in Tampa, Florida, competing in the Sunshine State Conference. The Spartans field 21 varsity sports and have won over 20 NCAA D2 national championships across multiple sports, including baseball, soccer, volleyball, and lacrosse. UT's waterfront campus in downtown Tampa, centered on the historic Plant Hall, provides a stunning setting for student life and athletics.
Acceptance rate: 77% Acceptance criteria: GPA of 3.4 Tuition: $31,394 Average cost after aid: $18,500
Tampa's championship history, prime location, and mid-3.0 GPA admissions bar make it one of the most attractive D2 programs in the Southeast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rZjpoG8aRU
30. Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University, located in Maryville, Missouri, is a public university competing in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). The Bearcats are one of the most dominant football programs in all of D2, having won six national championships. Beyond football, Northwest fields 14 varsity sports and offers strong programs in business, education, and agriculture. The school is known for its interactive digital learning initiatives and affordable tuition.
Acceptance rate: 80% Acceptance criteria: ACT of 21+ or GPA of 2.5 Tuition: $8,340 (in-state) / $14,478 (out-of-state) Average cost after aid: $12,000
If D2 football is your goal, it's hard to find a better combination of winning tradition, affordability, and accessible admissions than Northwest Missouri State.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jhx1vDRHnLs
Why Choose a Division 2 School?
Every high school athlete dreams of going D1, and if that’s your goal, Empowerly can help get you there. But not everyone has a perfect GPA or a national ranking. That doesn’t mean your college athletic dreams are out of reach.
Division 2 schools offer a serious opportunity. They give you a chance to play your sport, earn scholarships, and graduate with a strong degree, all without D1-level pressure or rejection.
If you're looking for high acceptance rates, more playing time, and a campus that values both sports and school, D2 might be the better fit.
Here’s what you get when you choose a Division 2 college:
1. Balanced Focus
D2 schools expect you to show up and compete, but they don’t expect your sport to be your whole life. Unlike Division I programs, which can feel like a full-time job, D2 athletics are built to give you more time for academics, internships, and social life.
If you're someone who wants to play hard but still focus on your major, part-time work, or leadership roles outside the locker room, this balance matters. D2 schools were built to support student-athletes, not just athletes who happen to be students.
2. Athletic Opportunities
From national championship teams to Olympic athletes, D2 programs still deliver high-level competition. You’ll still have access to experienced coaches, strength training, and NCAA postseasons.
And yes, D2 schools give athletic scholarships. They may not always be full rides, but they’re real, and they’re combined with academic and merit aid to help you cut costs. If you’re good enough to be recruited at the D2 level, you’ll have options.
3. Academic Quality
Many D2 schools have standout programs in nursing, business, engineering, education, and more. They also tend to offer smaller class sizes and more one-on-one time with professors, compared to larger D1 schools.
If you want a competitive academic experience without getting lost in the crowd, D2 gives you that edge. You can still do research, land internships, and get support, and you’ll actually know your professors’ names.
4. Campus Life and Community
Most Division 2 schools have tight-knit campuses. You’ll get to know your teammates, classmates, and even coaches on a personal level. That kind of support system makes a real difference in your college experience.
Whether it’s small-town charm or a mid-sized university feel, D2 campuses tend to be less overwhelming and more welcoming, especially if you’re the type of student who thrives in community.
5. Leadership and Growth
Because D2 schools are smaller, you don’t have to wait your turn to make an impact. You can be a team captain, start a student club, lead a service project, or represent your class, even in your first year.
That kind of early leadership is exactly what grad schools and employers love to see. At a D2 school, you’re not just a number. You’re someone who can take charge and make things happen.
6. Financial Value
D2 schools often have more affordable tuition than D1 private schools, and they usually offer generous financial aid. That means less student debt and more flexibility after you graduate.
With a mix of athletic aid, merit scholarships, and institutional grants, D2 colleges help you invest in your future without overpaying for it. If you’re looking for a smart financial choice, these schools deliver.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y0Ie4i_7jE
Why Empowerly Can Help You Make the Right Choice
Our expert college counselors have helped students increase their admission odds by 11x, with 98% getting into Ivy League and top 25 schools.
At Empowerly, we can help you:
- Build a smart college list based on your academics, sports, and goals
- Understand NCAA rules, timelines, and recruiting strategies
- Craft standout applications — including essays, résumés, and recommendation plans
- Reach out to coaches and identify scholarship opportunities
- Find your best-fit campus and sport program, not just the biggest name
Book your free consultation today and let’s build a path that gets you where you want to go.
FAQs About D2 Schools
1. What is a D2 school?
A Division 2 (D2) school is a college or university that competes in NCAA Division II athletics. These schools emphasize a balanced college experience, combining competitive sports with strong academics and a manageable schedule. You still train hard, but you have time to focus on more than just your sport.
2. How many D2 schools are there?
There are nearly 300 NCAA Division II schools across the U.S., with the most D2 colleges including California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio. No matter where you live, chances are there’s a D2 program nearby or in your dream region.
3. Is D2 just as good as D1?
Yes, just different. D1 schools have more media coverage, bigger budgets, and more pressure. But D2 schools still compete hard, recruit nationally, and develop elite athletes. The difference is lifestyle: at D2, you’ll often get more playing time, more personal support, and more time for academics.
If you’re choosing based on growth, fit, and opportunity, not just brand names, D2 could be the better move.
4. Do D2 schools offer athletic scholarships?
Yes. Division 2 schools offer athletic scholarships, but they tend to split them among multiple athletes. For example, a D2 soccer team might have 9 full scholarships to divide among 20+ players.
That means you could get a partial scholarship and combine it with academic or merit aid to cover more of your costs. In many cases, D2 students end up paying significantly less out-of-pocket than their D1 peers.