Here is a complete list of all NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) division 2 men’s basketball programs by State. This list is kept up-to-date so you can be confident in knowing that the information you are seeking is current and relevant. All the schools that are listed here are also members of different division 2 conferences. This resource has been designed to help all potential student athletes in their recruiting quest to compete at the division 2 basketball collegiate level. This list should help you to organize and direct your recruitment strategy.
A lot of student athletes choose division 2 over division 1 because some NCAA division 2 schools may offer recruits the opportunity of playing time during their freshman year which is something that isn’t always guaranteed at the division 1 level. You must keep in mind that although division 2 men’s basketball program may have a slightly less demanding schedule than a comparable division 1 school, they still require their student athletes to display a high level of dedication, and input a high amount of time and effort into training, practice, and study.
Division 2 schools do tend to have smaller campuses in comparison to division 1 which could be a plus for some student athletes when making the decision to play (if having smaller class sizes and academic support is high on your list of priorities). A division 2 men’s basketball program is a more favorable option for student athletes who still want to compete at a high basketball level but also want to have a more balanced basketball-academic-college experience. When you are looking for the right basketball program, it is advisable to keep your mind open and your search extensive. Securing a roster spot on a division 2 men’s basketball team is not an easy feat and you will still have to put the work in. When looking at the division 2 schools that peak your interest, here are some questions for you to consider when looking through the school’s academic/basketball program information: where is the school located, do they offer your interested area of study, what are there entry requirements, what is the school/basketball culture like, does it meet my preferences for basketball/academics/experience, what’s the total cost for me to attend and play etc.
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NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Alaska
There are currently two NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs that are located in the state of Alaska. The two schools are listed below and include direct links to their athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) | NCAA D2
- University of Alaska | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | Great Northwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Alabama
There are currently seven NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs that are located in the state of Alabama. The seven schools are listed below and include direct links to their athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, Alabama | Public | Gulf South Conference | NCAA DII
- Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, Alabama | Public | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
- Miles College | Fairfield, Alabama | Private | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Montevallo | Montevallo, Alabama | Public | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
- Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, Alabama | Private | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- University of West Alabama | Livingston, Alabama | Public | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Arkansas
There are currently seven NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Arkansas. The seven schools are listed below and include direct links to their athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- University of Arkansas at Monticello | Monticello, Arkansas | Public | Great American Conference (GAC) | NCAA D2
- Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, Arkansas | Public | Great American Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith | Fort Smith, Arkansas | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- Harding University | Searcy, Arkansas | Private | Great American Conference | NCAA D2
- Henderson State University | Arkadelphia, Arkansas | Public | Great American Conference | NCAA D2
- Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, Arkansas | Private | Great American Conference | NCAA DII
- Southern Arkansas University | Magnolia, Arkansas | Public | Great American Conference (GAC) | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Arizona
There are currently zero NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Arizona.
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of California
There are currently twenty NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of California. The twenty schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Academy of Art University | San Francisco, California | Private | Pacific West Conference | NCAA D2
- Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, California | Private | Pacific West Conference | NCAA D2
- Biola University | La Mirada, California | Private | Pacific West Conference | NCAA D2
- Cal State Dominguez Hills | Carson, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) | NCAA D2
- Cal State East Bay | Hayward, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- Cal State Monterey Bay | Seaside, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association | NCAA DII
- Cal State San Marcos | San Marcos, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- California State Polytechnic University | Pomona, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- California State University Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- Chico State University | Chico, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) | NCAA D2
- Concordia University Irvine | Irvine, California | Private | Pacific West Conference | NCAA D2
- Dominican University | San Rafael, California | Private | Pacific West Conference | NCAA D2
- Fresno Pacific University | Fresno, California | Private | Pacific West Conference | NCAA D2
- Holy Names University | Oakland, California | Private | Pacific West Conference | NCAA D2
- Humboldt State University | Arcata, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) | NCAA D2
- Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, California | Private | PacWest Conference | NCAA DII
- San Francisco State University | San Francisco, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) | NCAA D2
- Sonoma State University | Rohnert Park, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- Sonoma State University | Rohnert Park, California | Public | California Collegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Colorado
There are currently ten NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Colorado. The ten schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Adams State University | Alamosa, Colorado | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) | NCAA D2
- Colorado Christian University | Lakewood, Colorado | Private | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) | NCAA D2
- Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, Colorado | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Colorado School of Mines | Golden, Colorado | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) | NCAA D2
- Colorado State University-Pueblo | Pueblo, Colorado | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Fort Lewis College | Durango, Colorado | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) | NCAA DII
- Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, Colorado | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA DII
- Regis University | Denver, Colorado | Private | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Western Colorado University | Gunnison, Colorado | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Connecticut
There are currently four NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Connecticut. The four schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, Connecticut | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA DII
- University of New Haven | West Haven, Connecticut | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA D2
- Post University | Waterbury, Connecticut | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Southern Connecticut State University | New Haven, Connecticut | Public | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in District of Columbia
There is currently one NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the District of Columbia. This school which is listed below, includes direct link to the school’s athletics page so you can check out what their basketball program has to offer.
- UNIVERSITY OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | Washington, D.C. | Public | East Coast Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Delaware
There are currently two NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Delaware. The two schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Goldey-Beacom College | Wilmington, Delaware | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Wilmington University | New Castle, Delaware | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA DII
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Florida
There are currently thirteen NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Florida. The thirteen schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Barry University | Miami Shores, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- Eckerd College | St. Petersburg, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- Flagler College | St. Augustine, Florida | Private | Peach Belt Conference | NCAA DII
- Florida Southern College | Lakeland, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) | Melbourne, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- Lynn University | Boca Raton, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- Palm Beach Atlantic University | West Palm Beach, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- Rollins College | Winter Park, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Tampa | Tampa, Florida | Private | Sunshine State Conference | NCAA D2
- University of West Florida | Pensacola, Florida | Public | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Georgia
There are currently sixteen NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Georgia. The sixteen schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Albany State University | Albany, Georgia | Public | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Augusta University | Augusta, Georgia | Public | Peach Belt Conference | NCAA D2
- Clark Atlanta University | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Clayton State University | Morrow, Georgia | Public | Peach Belt Conference | NCAA D2
- Columbus State University | Columbus, Georgia | Public | Peach Belt Conference | NCAA D2
- Emmanuel College | Franklin Springs, Georgia | Private | Conference Carolinas | NCAA DII
- Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley, Georgia | Public | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Georgia College | Milledgeville, Georgia | Public | Peach Belt Conference | NCAA DII
- Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus, Georgia | Public | Peach Belt Conference | NCAA D2
- Morehouse College | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, Georgia | Public | Peach Belt Conference | NCAA D2
- Savannah State University | Savannah, Georgia | Public | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Shorter University | Rome, Georgia | Private | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
- Valdosta State University | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
- University of West Georgia | Carrollton, Georgia | Public | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
- Young Harris College | Young Harris, Georgia | Private | Peach Belt Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Hawaii
There are currently three NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Hawaii. The three schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Chaminade University | Honolulu, Hawaii | Private | Pacific West Conference | NCAA D2
- Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, Hawaii | Private | Pacific West Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Hawaii at Hilo | Hilo, Hawaii | Public | Pacific West Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Iowa
There is currently one NCAA division 2 men’s basketball program located in the state of Iowa. The school which is listed below, includes a direct link to the school’s athletics page so you can check out what their basketball program has to offer.
- Upper Iowa University | Fayette, Iowa | Private | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Idaho
There is currently one NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Idaho. The school which is listed below, includes a direct link to the schools athletics page so you can check out what their basketball program has to offer.
- Northwest Nazarene University | Nampa, Idaho | Private | Great Northwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Illinois
There are currently four NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Illinois. The four schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- University of Illinois Springfield | Springfield, Illinois | Public | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA D2
- Lewis University | Romeoville, Illinois | Private | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA D2
- McKendree University | Lebanon, Illinois | Private | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA D2
- Quincy University | Quincy, Illinois | Private | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA DII
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Indiana
There are currently three NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Indiana. The three schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA D2
- Purdue University Northwest | Hammond and Westville, Indiana | Public | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Kansas
There are currently five NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Kansas. The five schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Emporia State University | Emporia, Kansas | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- Fort Hays State University | Hays, Kansas | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA DII
- Newman University | Wichita, Kansas | Private | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg, Kansas | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- Washburn University | Topeka, Kansas | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Kentucky
There are currently two NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Kentucky. The two schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Kentucky State University | Frankfort, Kentucky | Public | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Kentucky Wesleyan College | Owensboro, Kentucky | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Louisiana
There are currently zero NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Louisiana.
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Massachusetts
There are currently four NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Massachusetts. The four schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- American International College | Springfield, Massachusetts | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA D2
- Assumption College | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA D2
- Bentley University | Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Maryland
There are currently two NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Maryland. The two schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Bowie State University | Bowie, Maryland | Public | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Maine
There is currently zero NCAA division 2 men’s basketball program located in the state of Maine.
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Michigan
There are currently ten NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Michigan. The ten schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Davenport University | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Ferris State University | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Grand Valley State University | Allendale, Michigan | Public | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Hillsdale College | Hillsdale, Michigan | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA DII
- Lake Superior State University | Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan | Public | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Michigan Tech University | Houghton, Michigan | Public | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Northern Michigan University | Marquette, Michigan | Public | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Northwood University | Midland, Michigan | Private | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Saginaw Valley State University | University Center, Michigan | Public | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Wayne State University | Detroit, Michigan | Public | Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Minnesota
There are currently nine NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Minnesota. The nine schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Bemidji State University | Bemidji, Minnesota | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Concordia University St. Paul | St. Paul, Minnesota | Private | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Minnesota State University Mankato | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, Minnesota | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Minnesota Crookston | Crookston, Minnesota | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Minnesota Duluth | Duluth, Minnesota | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Southwest Minnesota State University | Marshall, Minnesota | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- St. Cloud State University | St. Cloud, Minnesota | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Winona State University | Winona, Minnesota | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Missouri
There are currently fourteen NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Missouri. The fourteen schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, Missouri | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- Drury University | Springfield, Missouri | Private | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA DII
- Lincoln University | Jefferson City, Missouri | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- Maryville University | St. Louis, Missouri | Private | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA D2
- Missouri Southern State University | Joplin, Missouri | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- Missouri University of Science and Technology | Rolla, Missouri | Public | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA D2
- Missouri Western State University | St. Joseph, Missouri | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- University of Missouri–St. Louis | St. Louis, Missouri | Public | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA D2
- Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, Missouri | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- Rockhurst University | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA D2
- Southwest Baptist University | Bolivar, Missouri | Private | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA D2
- Truman State University | Kirksville, Missouri | Public | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA D2
- William Jewell College | Liberty, Missouri | Private | Great Lakes Valley Conference | NCAA DII
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Mississippi
There are currently two NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Mississippi. The two schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Delta State University | Cleveland, Mississippi | Public | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
- Mississippi College | Clinton, Mississippi | Private | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Montana
There is currently only one NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Montana. The school which is listed below, includes a direct link to the school’s athletics page so you can check out what their individual basketball program has to offer.
- Montana State University Billings | Billings, Montana | Public | Great Northwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of North Carolina
There are currently eighteen NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of North Carolina. The eighteen schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Barton College | Wilson, North Carolina | Private | Conference Carolinas | NCAA D2
- Belmont Abbey College | Belmont, North Carolina | Private | Conference Carolinas | NCAA DII
- Catawba College | Salisbury, North Carolina | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA D2
- Chowan University | Murfreesboro, North Carolina | Private | Conference Carolinas | NCAA D2
- Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, North Carolina | Public | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Public | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- Johnson C. Smith University | Charlotte, North Carolina | Private | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- Lees-McRae College | Banner Elk, North Carolina | Private | Conference Carolinas | NCAA DII
- Lenoir-Rhyne University | Hickory, North Carolina | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA D2
- Livingstone College | Salisbury, North Carolina | Private | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- Mars Hill University | Mars Hill, North Carolina | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA DII
- University of Mount Olive | Mount Olive, North Carolina | Private | Conference Carolinas | NCAA DII
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke, North Carolina | Public | Conference Carolinas | NCAA D2
- Queens University of Charlotte | Charlotte, North Carolina | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA D2
- Saint Augustine’s University | Raleigh, North Carolina | Private | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- Shaw University | Raleigh, North Carolina | Private | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- Wingate University | Wingate, North Carolina | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA D2
- Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Public | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of North Dakota
There are currently two NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of North Dakota. The two schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- University of Mary | Bismarck, North Dakota | Private | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Minot State University | Minot, North Dakota | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Nebraska
There are currently three NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Nebraska. The three schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Chadron State College | Chadron, Nebraska | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Nebraska at Kearney | Kearney, Nebraska | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) | NCAA D2
- Wayne State College | Wayne, Nebraska | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of New Hampshire
There are currently three NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of New Hampshire. The three schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Franklin Pierce University | Rindge, New Hampshire | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA DII
- Saint Anselm College | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA D2
- Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA DII
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of New Jersey
There are currently four NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of New Jersey. The four schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Bloomfield College | Bloomfield, New Jersey | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Caldwell University | Caldwell, New Jersey | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA DII
- Felician University | Rutherford, New Jersey | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA DII
- Georgian Court University | Lakewood, New Jersey | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of New Mexico
There are currently three NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of New Mexico. The three schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Eastern New Mexico University | Portales, New Mexico | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- New Mexico Highlands University | Las Vegas, New Mexico | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Western New Mexico University | Silver City, New Mexico | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Nevada
There are currently zero NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Nevada.
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of New York
There are currently thirteen NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of New York. The thirteen schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Adelphi University | Garden City, New York | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA D2
- Daemen College | Amherst, New York | Private | East Coast Conference | NCAA D2
- Dominican College | Orangeburg, New York | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- D’Youville College | Buffalo, New York | Private | East Coast Conference | NCAA D2
- Mercy College | Dobbs Ferry, New York | Private | East Coast Conference | NCAA D2
- Molloy College | Rockville Centre, New York | Private | East Coast Conference | NCAA D2
- Nyack College | New York, New York | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA DII
- Pace University | New York, New York | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA DII
- Queens College | Queens, New York | Public | East Coast Conference | NCAA D2
- Roberts Wesleyan College | Rochester, New York | Private | East Coast Conference | NCAA D2
- The College of Saint Rose | Albany, New York | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA D2
- Saint Thomas Aquinas College | Sparkill, New York | Private | East Coast Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Ohio
There are currently eleven NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Ohio. The eleven schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Ashland University | Ashland, Ohio | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Cedarville University | Cedarville, Ohio | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA DII
- Central State University | Wilberforce, Ohio | Public | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Findlay | Findlay, Ohio | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Lake Erie College | Painesville, Ohio | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Malone University | Canton, Ohio | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Notre Dame College | South Euclid, Ohio | Private | Mountain East Conference | NCAA DII
- Ohio Dominican University | Columbus, Ohio | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) | NCAA D2
- Tiffin University | Tiffin, Ohio | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Walsh University | North Canton, Ohio | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Oklahoma
There are currently eleven NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Oklahoma. The eleven schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Cameron University | Lawton, Oklahoma | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Central Oklahoma | Edmond, Oklahoma | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA DII
- East Central University | Ada, Oklahoma | Public | Great American Conference | NCAA D2
- Northeastern State University | Tahlequah, Oklahoma | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University | Alva, Oklahoma | Public | Great American Conference | NCAA D2
- Oklahoma Baptist University | Shawnee, Oklahoma | Private | Great American Conference | NCAA DII
- Oklahoma Christian University | Edmond, Oklahoma | Private | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- Rogers State University | Claremore, Oklahoma | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University | Durant, Oklahoma | Public | Great American Conference | NCAA D2
- Southern Nazarene University | Bethany, Oklahoma | Private | Great American Conference | NCAA D2
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Weatherford, Oklahoma | Public | Great American Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Oregon
There is currently only one NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Oregon. The school which is listed below, includes a direct link to the school’s athletics page so you can check out what their basketball program has to offer.
- Western Oregon University | Monmouth, Oregon | Public | Great Northwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Pennsylvania
There are currently twenty-two NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Pennsylvania. The twenty-two schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Bloomsburg University | Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- California University of Pennsylvania | California, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA DII
- Chestnut Hill College | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Clarion University | Clarion, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- East Stroudsburg University | East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Edinboro University | Edinboro, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Gannon University | Erie, Pennsylvania | Private | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA DII
- Holy Family University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA DII
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Indiana, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) | NCAA D2
- Jefferson University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Kutztown University | Kutztown, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Lincoln University | Jefferson City, Missouri | Public | Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association | NCAA D2
- Lock Haven University | Lock Haven, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Mansfield University | Mansfield, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA DII
- Mercyhurst University | Erie, Pennsylvania | Private | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania | Millersville, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown | Johnstown, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- University of the Sciences | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- Seton Hill University | Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Private | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Shippensburg University | Shippensburg, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Slippery Rock University | Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Rhode Island
There are currently zero NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Rhode Island.
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of South Carolina
There are currently thirteen NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of South Carolina. The thirteen schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Allen University | Columbia, South Carolina | Private | Appalachian Athletic Conference | NAIA
- Benedict College | Columbia, South Carolina | Private | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) | NCAA D2
- Anderson University | Anderson, South Carolina | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA D2
- Claflin University | Orangeburg, South Carolina | Private | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) | NCAA D2
- Coker University | Hartsville, South Carolina | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA D2
- Erskine College | Due West, South Carolina | Private | Conference Carolinas | NCAA D2
- Francis Marion University | Florence, South Carolina | Public | Conference Carolinas | NCAA D2
- Lander University | Greenwood, South Carolina | Public | Peach Belt Conference | NCAA D2
- Limestone College | Gaffney, South Carolina | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA DII
- Newberry College | Newberry, South Carolina | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA D2
- North Greenville University | Tigerville, South Carolina | Private | Conference Carolinas | NCAA D2
- University of South Carolina Aiken | Aiken, South Carolina | Public | Peach Belt Conference | NCAA DII
- Southern Wesleyan University | Central, South Carolina | Private | Conference Carolinas | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of South Dakota
There are currently five NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of South Dakota. The five schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Augustana University | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Private | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA DII
- Black Hills State University | Spearfish, South Dakota | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Northern State University | Aberdeen, South Dakota | Public | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Sioux Falls | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Private | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | NCAA D2
- South Dakota Mines | Rapid City, South Dakota | Public | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Tennessee
There are currently ten NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Tennessee. The ten schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Carson-Newman University | Jefferson City, Tennessee | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA D2
- Christian Brothers University | Memphis, Tennessee | Private | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
- King University | Bristol, Tennessee | Private | Conference Carolinas | NCAA D2
- Lane College | Jackson, Tennessee | Private | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Le Moyne-Owen College | Memphis, Tennessee | Private | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Lee University | Cleveland, Tennessee | Private | Gulf South Conference | NCAA D2
- Lincoln Memorial University | Harrogate, Tennessee | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA DII
- Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Tusculum College | Greeneville, Tennessee | Private | South Atlantic Conference | NCAA D2
- Union University | Jackson, Tennessee | Private | Gulf South Conference | NCAA DII
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Texas
There are currently twelve NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Texas. The twelve schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Angelo State University | San Angelo, Texas | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, Texas | Private | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- Lubbock Christian University | Lubbock, Texas | Private | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls, Texas | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- Saint Edward’s University | Austin, Texas | Private | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- Saint Mary’s University | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Public | Atlantic University Sport Conference | U Sports
- Texas A&M International University | Laredo, Texas | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- Texas A&M University-Kingsville | Kingsville, Texas | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler, Texas | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA DII
- University of Texas of the Permian Basin | Odessa, Texas | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
- West Texas A&M University | Canyon, Texas | Public | Lone Star Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Utah
There is currently only one NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Utah. The school which is listed below, includes a direct link to the school’s athletics page so you can check out what their basketball program has to offer.
- Westminster College | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Virginia
There are currently three NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Virginia. The three schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Virginia State University | Petersburg, Virginia | Public | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- Virginia Union University | Richmond, Virginia | Private | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association | NCAA D2
- University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) | Wise, Virginia | Public | South Atlantic Conference (SAC) | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Vermont
There is currently only one NCAA division 2 men’s basketball program located in the state of Vermont. The school which is listed below, includes direct a link to the schools athletics page so you can check out what their basketball program has to offer.
- Saint Michael’s College | Colchester, Vermont | Private | Northeast-10 Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Washington
There are currently four NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Washington. The four schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Central Washington University | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | Great Northwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Saint Martin’s University | Lacey, Washington | Private | Great Northwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Seattle Pacific University | Seattle, Washington | Private | Great Northwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Western Washington University | Bellingham, Washington | Public | Great Northwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of Wisconsin
There are currently zero NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of Wisconsin
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of West Virginia
There are currently fourteen NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of West Virginia. The fourteen schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- Alderson Broaddus University | Philippi, West Virginia | Private | Mountain East Conference | NCAA D2
- Bluefield State College | Bluefield, West Virginia | Public | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) | NCAA D2
- University of Charleston | Charleston, West Virginia | Private | Mountain East Conference | NCAA D2
- Concord University | Athens, West Virginia | Public | Mountain East Conference | NCAA D2
- Davis & Elkins College | Elkins, West Virginia | Private | Mountain East Conference | NCAA DII
- Fairmont State University | Fairmont, West Virginia | Public | Mountain East Conference | NCAA D2
- Glenville State College | Glenville, West Virginia | Public | Mountain East Conference | NCAA DII
- Ohio Valley University | Vienna, West Virginia | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) | NCAA D2
- Salem University | Salem, West Virginia | Private | Great Midwest Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- Shepherd University | Shepherdstown, West Virginia | Public | Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference | NCAA D2
- West Liberty University | West Liberty, West Virginia | Public | Mountain East Conference (MEC) | NCAA DII
- West Virginia State University | Institute, West Virginia | Public | Mountain East Conference | NCAA D2
- West Virginia Wesleyan College | Buckhannon, West Virginia | Private | Mountain East Conference | NCAA D2
- Wheeling University | Wheeling, West Virginia | Private | Mountain East Conference | NCAA D2
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in the State of West Wyoming
There are currently zero NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the state of West Wyoming.
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in CANADA
There is currently only one NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in the British Columbia, Canada. The school which is listed below, includes a direct link to the schools athletics page so you can check out what their basketball program has to offer.
- Simon Fraser University | Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada | Public | Great Northwest Athletic Conference | NCAA DII
NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Programs Located in PUERTO RICO
There are currently three NCAA division 2 men’s basketball programs located in Puerto Rico. The three schools which are listed below, include direct links to the schools athletics page so you can check out what each individual basketball program has to offer.
- University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón | Bayamón, Puerto Rico | Public | Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria de Puerto Rico (LAI) | NCAA D2
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez | Mayagüez, Puerto Rico | Public | Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria de Puerto Rico (LAI) | NCAA Division II
- University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria (LAI) | NCAA D2
COLLEGE BASKETBALL OPENINGS
Here you can access the most up-to-date college basketball openings from college coaches looking for players to fill roster spots
Additional Information About NCAA D2 Basketball
Do D2 Colleges Offer Sports Scholarships?
Absolutely, D2 colleges do offer sports scholarships! While the odds of receiving a full-ride athletic scholarship at a Division II school might be slimmer compared to Division I institutions, there are still plenty of opportunities to support talented student-athletes financially.
Financial Support Beyond Athletics
Unlike D1 colleges, D2 schools often excel in providing a combination of sports scholarships, reduced tuition options, and varied financial aid packages. This unique mix can result in a financial offer that rivals or even surpasses what a student might receive at a D1 school.
Benefits of Choosing a D2 School
- Partial Scholarships: While full scholarships are rare, many D2 colleges offer partial scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of education.
- Additional Financial Aid: Students can benefit from academic scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities on top of athletic aid.
- Overall Cost Reduction: When combined, these financial aids can greatly diminish out-of-pocket expenses, making D2 schools an attractive choice.
In summary, if you’re considering a D2 college for sports, you’ll likely find a range of financial support options that make it not only affordable but competitive with larger athletic programs.
Wondering about the number of NCAA Division II colleges in the U.S.
and its territories? There are currently 288 D2 schools spanning across the country, including nearly all states. This count also includes institutions located in Alaska
, Hawaii
, the District of Columbia
, and Puerto Rico. With such a broad presence, D2 colleges offer diverse opportunities for student-athletes nationwide.
Comparing Financial Aid at D2 and D1 Colleges
When considering financial aid at D2 colleges versus D1 institutions, it’s crucial to look beyond just sports scholarships.
Scholarship Availability
D2 colleges often offer sports scholarships, much like their D1 counterparts. However, it’s essential to understand that full-ride athletic scholarships are less common at the D2 level. Instead, these schools often provide a combination of partial scholarships and other financial aids.
Financial Aid Packages
One of the advantages of D2 schools is their ability to provide a comprehensive financial aid package. They compensate for smaller athletic scholarships by offering other financial support, such as merit-based aid, grants, and need-based assistance. This mix can result in a financial package that rivals or even surpasses what one might receive at a D1 school.
Tuition and Costs
Additionally, D2 colleges frequently have lower tuition compared to many D1 schools. This affordability, coupled with available financial aid, can make attending a D2 school a financially smart choice.
In summary, while D2 schools might not offer large athletic scholarships, they often provide robust financial packages that make securing a quality education affordable, sometimes even more so than at D1 schools.
When Can Division II Coaches Reach Out to Recruits?
In the recruitment process for Division II colleges, there are specific timelines for when coaches can initiate communication with prospective student-athletes. Here’s what you need to know:
- June 15 of Sophomore Year: Coaches are permitted to start reaching out to student-athletes starting from June 15 after their sophomore year. This marks the official beginning of direct communication from coaches.
- Athlete-Initiated Contact: Before this date, if a student-athlete takes the initiative to contact a coach or visits them on campus, the coach can respond and engage freely. This allows for early interaction, driven by the recruit’s interest.
This ensures that the communication timeline is both structured and flexible, allowing athletes some control over the process while keeping within NCAA guidelines.
What are Head Count Sports, and Do D2 Colleges Feature Them?
Head count sports refer to specific athletic programs that generate significant revenue for colleges and universities. These sports offer full scholarships to a set number of athletes, meaning fewer players benefit, but the scholarships cover all their tuition and fees.
Examples of Head Count Sports:
- Football: Particularly prominent at Division I programs like those seen in the NCAA.
- Basketball: Both men’s and women’s programs often fall into this category.
- Women’s Gymnastics and Tennis: Other sports that commonly offer full scholarships.
D2 Colleges and Head Count Sports:
Division II (D2) colleges operate differently from Division I schools when it comes to athletic scholarships. Unlike their Division I counterparts, D2 institutions do not have head count sports. Instead, they offer equivalency scholarships, which can be divided among a larger number of athletes. This allows more players to receive athletic aid, but these scholarships typically cover only a portion of tuition and fees.
Ultimately, while D2 colleges offer competitive athletic programs, they focus on providing more athletes with financial assistance through shared scholarships rather than the full scholarships characteristic of head count sports.
Understanding NCAA Division II Recruitment and Eligibility Rules
Navigating the world of NCAA Division II recruitment can be complex, but understanding the key rules ensures a smoother process for student-athletes. Here’s a breakdown to help you make sense of it all.
Registration and Eligibility
Before diving into recruitment, every aspiring D2 student-athlete must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This step is crucial as it’s where eligibility is assessed based on academic performance and amateur status. The Eligibility Center is the gateway to determining whether a student-athlete can participate at the collegiate level.
Communication Guidelines
Coaches in D2 schools must adhere to specific recruitment protocols:
- Contact Initiation: Coaches may initiate off-campus communication or make phone calls only after June 15 following the athlete’s sophomore year in high school.
- Student-Athlete Initiated Contact: If a student-athlete reaches out first, whether by phone or an in-person visit, the coach is free to respond and engage in discussions without any restrictions.
Key Considerations
- Academics and Amateurism: Maintaining academic standards and amateur status is critical throughout the recruitment process.
- Proactive Engagement: While coaches have guidelines to follow, student-athletes are encouraged to take initiative in reaching out, which can lead to more comprehensive communication sooner.
Understanding these foundational rules will aid in effectively navigating the recruitment landscape of NCAA Division II athletics. Stay informed and proactive to make your college sports journey a successful one.
Additional Factors to Consider When Comparing Division 2 Basketball Programs
Beyond the basketball court, you’ll want to weigh a variety of factors to ensure you’re choosing a school that’s the right all-around fit for you. Start by looking closely at what academic programs are available—does the college offer the major you’re interested in pursuing? The campus environment is also key: think about location, climate, campus size, and overall vibe, as these can have a big impact on your daily life.
Financial considerations should not be overlooked either. Take time to research the actual cost to attend, factoring in potential athletic and academic scholarships, grants, and any other aid. Don’t forget to evaluate the level of academic support provided to athletes. Access to tutoring, study halls, and dedicated advisors can make a major difference in balancing your sport with your studies.
It’s also smart to explore the school’s conference affiliation and level of competition. This can affect travel schedules, rivalries, and the overall competitiveness of the basketball program. Lastly, make sure to check the entry requirements; knowing the necessary GPA and standardized test scores upfront can help you determine where you stand in the admissions process. Being thorough with this research now can save you time and help you find the best match both on and off the court!
Why Consider All Division 2 Basketball Options?
While it can be tempting to start your search with only the most recognized or top-ranked Division 2 programs, casting a wider net is the smarter move for most student athletes. There are more than 300 NCAA Division 2 men’s basketball schools across the country, each with its own unique combination of academics, campus life, and team culture. By exploring the full list, you give yourself more opportunities to find a good match—not only for your athletic ambitions, but for your preferred major, campus environment, and financial needs as well.
Remember, the “best” school will be different for everyone. What matters most is finding a program where you can thrive on the court and in the classroom—whether that’s at a big urban university or a smaller college in a close-knit community. You’ll want to consider things like:
- The location and size of the campus
- The academic programs and majors offered
- What kinds of athletic and academic scholarships are available
- Application requirements (GPA, test scores, etc.)
- How well you feel you fit with the team and school culture
Don’t sell yourself short by only reaching out to headline programs. By researching and connecting with a variety of colleges, you might discover options you hadn’t considered—and increase your chances of finding that perfect spot where you can play, learn, and grow.
Balancing Basketball and Academics at Division 2 Schools
When comparing Division 2 men’s basketball programs to their Division 1 counterparts, the difference in athletic and academic balance becomes clear. While the competition level remains high, Division 2 programs generally offer a more manageable athletic schedule. This means student athletes often have increased flexibility to prioritize their coursework, get involved in campus life, or even pick up a new hobby without sacrificing their basketball commitments.
The slightly reduced time demands can be a game-changer for those seeking both athletic achievement and academic growth. With practices and travel schedules that are just a touch less intense than Division 1, student athletes at Division 2 schools can focus more on their studies—especially helpful when classes get challenging. The environment often supports smaller class sizes and more one-on-one attention, giving you a better chance to build relationships with professors and access any additional help you might need along the way.
What Are NCAA Division 2 Men’s Basketball Colleges, and Who Are They Right For?
NCAA Division 2 men’s basketball colleges offer a compelling option for student athletes who are eager to play highly competitive basketball while also keeping a strong focus on academics and personal interests. These schools maintain rigorous athletic programs, requiring real commitment on and off the court, but the day-to-day demands are often more balanced than those found at the division 1 level.
For many student athletes, this means increased flexibility to engage in activities outside of basketball—like joining campus organizations, volunteering in the local community, or simply dedicating more time to their studies. Division 2 campuses also tend to be smaller, which can lead to more individualized academic support and a tighter-knit campus community—qualities particularly helpful for players who value strong connections with coaches, professors, and teammates.
Perhaps most appealing for some recruits is the opportunity to make an impact early in their college careers. Division 2 programs sometimes provide increased chances for playing time as a freshman, making them ideal for athletes who want to contribute right away and continue developing their game at a competitive level.
Who Provides Division 2 Men’s Basketball Rankings?
Curious about where D2 men’s basketball programs stack up nationally? You’ll find reliable rankings from several well-known organizations:
- The NCAA: Official rankings and polls are routinely released by the NCAA throughout the season.
- USA Today Sports: Regularly publishes updated standings and insights into D2 basketball programs.
- Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Poll: Offers expert-driven rankings based on current team performance.
For a broader perspective, these sources are excellent starting points when researching how your favorite D2 teams compare or scouting potential programs. Rankings provide not only an idea of team strength, but also highlight schools gaining national attention each season.









