Interested in playing lacrosse in college? You’re in the right place. Lacrosse offers opportunities at every level—from high-powered NCAA programs to flexible two-year colleges and even club ball. Whether you’re looking for elite competition, academic balance, or a stepping stone to the next level, there’s a program for you.
This page will guide you through the different divisions of college lacrosse and help you understand what each has to offer. Explore NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA options and see which path fits your goals. Ready to take the next step toward your future on the field? Let’s get started.
Divisions of Collegiate Lacrosse
🌟 Different Divisions of Lacrosse Play
Lacrosse is played at multiple competitive levels in the United States. Each offers a unique mix of athletic commitment, academic focus, and campus life.
🏆 NCAA Divisions
Division I (DI):
🚀 The highest level of competition with the largest athletic scholarship budgets. Requires significant time for training, travel, and games.
Division II (DII):
⚖️ Strong competition with a balanced approach to academics and athletics. Partial athletic scholarships are common.
Division III (DIII):
📚 Focus on academics. No athletic scholarships, but merit and need-based aid are often available.
🥍 NAIA
🏫 The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics provides competitive programs, often at smaller colleges with more flexible schedules. Athletic scholarships are available.
📖 NJCAA
📝 The National Junior College Athletic Association supports two-year college programs. A great option for athletes planning to transfer to four-year schools.
✨ Key Takeaways
Each division supports student-athletes differently. Consider your academic goals, athletic aspirations, and personal priorities when evaluating programs.
🎯 Athletic Scholarships by Division
As you consider playing lacrosse in college, it’s important to know how athletic scholarships work:
🥍 NCAA Division I – Up to 12.6 scholarships per men’s team (equivalency scholarships, typically divided among players).
🥍 NCAA Division II – Up to 10.8 scholarships per men’s team (also equivalency-based).
🥍 NCAA Division III – No athletic scholarships, but schools often provide academic and need-based aid.
🥍 NAIA – Up to 12 scholarships per team, with more flexibility in how they’re distributed.
🥍 NJCAA (Junior Colleges) – Scholarship amounts vary, but many programs offer full or partial athletic awards and benefit from lower tuition costs.
💡 Remember: Coaches often divide scholarships to support multiple athletes, so partial awards are common.
🏆 New Optional Division I Awards
Starting with the 2025–26 season, NCAA Division I programs may participate in a new rule that eliminates traditional scholarship caps and allows schools to award athletic scholarships up to the team’s roster limit.
Here’s what you need to know:
🥍 Power 5 schools (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC) and Notre Dame are required to participate.
🥍 Other Division I schools may choose to opt in or continue with their current scholarship model.
🥍 Ivy League and Patriot League schools have already opted not to participate in this change.
🥍 Even if a school participates, actual scholarship funding depends on the program’s budget and priorities.
💡 Tip: When talking to coaches, ask whether their program is participating in the new roster-based scholarship model and how many athletes they plan to support.
🎯 You’re on Your Way!
✅ Your College Lacrosse Action Plan
Great work! You’ve explored the different divisions of college lacrosse and learned how scholarships vary across programs. Whether you’re aiming for elite competition, academic balance, or a flexible two-year start, there’s a path waiting for you. Don’t forget that MCLA (club ball) is super competitive and a great opportunity to continue playing the game. It typically costs money to play for a club team, yet the experience is a blast!
Before you dive into the College Finder, take a moment to check off your progress:
☐ I know which divisions offer athletic scholarships.
☐ I’ve identified my academic and athletic priorities.
☐ I’m ready to use the College Finder app to explore programs.
☐ I will create a list of 5 schools that align with my goals.
💡 Tip: Keep this checklist handy as you explore options—it’s your playbook for success!
🚀 Launch the College Finder App
Keep track of your favorites and reach out to coaches to take the next step in your lacrosse career.
Stay focused, stay determined, and most importantly—enjoy the game!
🎖️ Your next big play starts now.