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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
