NCAA Baseball Hierarchy | NCAA Baseball Division Structure

1. NCAA Division I

Number of schools: about 300

Number of Schools: Approximately 300

Features: Highest level of competition, full scholarship available, main source of professional players.

Features: Highest competition level, full athletic scholarships, primary source of professional players.

Tournament: College World Series (CWS), finals in Omaha.

Championship: College World Series (CWS), held annually in Omaha.

Scholarship cap: A maximum of 11.7 full scholarships per team (split).

Scholarship Limit: Up to 11.7 full scholarships per team (can be divided).

2. NCAA Division II

Number of schools: about 260

Number of Schools: Approximately 260

Features: Balance between academics and sports, fewer scholarships, focus on regional competitions.

Features: Balance academics and athletics, partial scholarships, regional competition focus.

Tournament: DII College World Series, single-elimination system.

Championship: DII College World Series, single-elimination format.

Scholarship Cap: A maximum of 9 full scholarships per team.

Scholarship Limit: Up to 9 full scholarships per team.

3. NCAA Division III

Number of schools: about 400

Number of Schools: Approximately 400

Features: No sports scholarships, purely amateur in nature, emphasis on academic participation.

Features: No athletic scholarships, purely amateur, emphasizes academic involvement.

Tournament: DIII College World Series, Double Elimination.

Championship: DIII College World Series, double-elimination format.

Season length: Usually shorter than DI and DII.

Season Length: Generally shorter than DI and DII.

Additional Notes | Additional Notes

Recruitment Criteria: DI has the highest requirements for athletes, while DIII places more emphasis on academic performance.

Recruitment Standards: DI has the highest athletic requirements, DIII prioritizes academics.

Transfer rules: DI players are subject to strict eligibility checks when transferring to schools, while DII/DIII is more flexible.

Transfer Rules: DI transfers face strict eligibility reviews; DII/DIII are more flexible.

Career Paths: DI players often enter professional leagues through the MLB draft, while DII/DIII players often choose academic or niche leagues.

Career Path: DI players often enter MLB Draft, while DII/DIII players pursue academics or minor leagues.