🏆What division is right for me?
If you want to play college volleyball, there is a place for you to do it! You just need to find the right program level for you!
Last updated
If you want to play college volleyball, there is a place for you to do it! You just need to find the right program level for you!
Last updated
Below is a list of the different types of volleyball divisions and the generalities of each.
Division I - this is the highest level of play for college volleyball. There are a maximum of 12 full athletic scholarships per team available for DI volleyball programs. In DI programs, they use a 'slot' system; regardless of if they give out $100 to someone, or a full ride, that counts as one full slot. Some programs may not have funding for 12 full scholarships, but they still have 12 'slots' they can give away. These types of programs may offer partial scholarships to athletes as long as they do not exceed the 12 allotted 'slots'. Athletes can expect volleyball to be a full-time commitment, similar to working a full time job.
Division II - DII volleyball offers a bit more of a balance between volleyball, academics, and life (depending on the program). As opposed to the 'slot' system used in DI, DII programs use a 'total $ amount' system. There are a maximum of what is equivalent to 8 athletic scholarships per team available, and these scholarships can be broken up and spread amongst any amount of athletes on the team. DII programs can also stack athletic and academic aid for their student athletes.
Division III - DIII offers the most balance between volleyball, academics, and life. DIII volleyball CANNOT offer athletic scholarships. However, they can offer academic aid.
NAIA - The NAIA is most comparable to DII in terms of level of play and time commitment expected of the athletes. The NAIA can offer athletic and academic aid to athletes. The NAIA is under it's own governing body, similar to the NCAA, but with their own rules and regulations. The most notable being NAIA recruiting guidelines are much more relaxed than the NCAA guidelines.
Junior College - JuCo's are two year institutions where athletes can attend and earn their Associates Degree while playing volleyball. There are multiple divisions within the Junior College world with different regulations:
Division 1 : Can provide full-ride athletic scholarships (tuition, books, fees, and room and board), plus up to $250 in course-required supplies.
Division 2 : Can offer athletic scholarships, but scholarships are limited to tuition, books, fees and up to $250 in course-required supplies.
Division 3 : Cannot offer any athletic scholarships.
You can find a full list of volleyball programs here:
| Division I | Division II | Division III | NAIA | JuCo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number of Programs
334
298
437
220
313
Athletic Scholarships Available
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes (D1 and D2)
Academic Scholarship Available *
Yes, but not stacked on athletic aid
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Institution Type
4 year
4 year
4 year
4 year
2 year