Find your perfect college degree
Are you good at doing sports, or do you just love watching them? Either way, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) colleges and universities are the place to be. From basketball and football to track and field, NCAA institutions offer a wide array of sports for both participants and spectators.
The vibrant and competitive atmosphere on college campuses is infectious, drawing in individuals with a passion for athletics or a desire to witness the excitement firsthand.
In addition to their outstanding athletic programs, these NCAA institutions boast a rich history of academic excellence, creating an environment that nurtures well-rounded individuals. Student-athletes in these higher education institutions hone their skills in the field and engage in rigorous academic pursuits.
What is the NCAA?
A “non-profit” organization overseeing collegiate athletics in the United States, the NCAA or National Collegiate Athletic Association has over 1200 schools and universities as members and has an annual revenue of about one billion dollars.
The NCAA has three “Divisions” identifying the college’s resources available to their athletic departments and the degree of competitiveness. From March Madness to the College World Series, the majority of collegiate athletic events that you watch on television are contests between Division I universities.
The athletic departments at Division I institutions have the largest resources and the highest level of competitiveness. Division II colleges still offer athletic scholarships, but the number of scholarships is lower than in Division I.
The NCAA’s Division III divisions have the least amount of competition, and its sports departments typically have the lowest funding.
10 Colleges with the Best Sports/Athletics Program
Stanford University
Total (Men and Women) Sports Teams: 36
Conference: Pac-12
NCAA: Division 1
NCAA Team Championship Wins: 134
Stanford is primarily known by many people as a powerhouse of higher education, from certificate programs to graduate degrees. However, this ardent college is also a powerhouse for college athletics, with sports teams participating in NCAA Division 1 and PAC-12 plays. Stanford Cardinals have 36 teams playing all-around sports, from gymnastics and football to basketball and swimming.
Stanford Cardinal has won the most NCAA plays of any university, with a record of 134 NCAA team championships. Student-athletes at Stanford receive ample support from the university to help them become better athletes while pursuing their academic goals. From funding to student support services, Stanford stands out.
The university’s success is attributed to its commitment to attracting elite athletes and creating an environment that supports academic and athletic success. The university’s culture of diligence, commitment, and unwavering striving for excellence is fundamental to its success, inspiring future athletes to follow the tradition of excellence.
Emphasizing student-athlete development, Stanford has produced numerous Olympians and individual champions, including:
- Jim Plunkett
- Toby Gerhart
- Mike Mussina
- Ben Wildman-Tobriner
- Richard Sherman
- Ryan Hall
- Kerri Walsh Jennings
- John Lynch
- Tom Watson
- John McEnroe
- John Elway
University of California, Los Angeles
Total (Men and Women) Sports Teams: 25
Conference: Big Ten
NCAA: Division I
NCAA Team Championship Wins: 121
UCLA’s objective to provide a well-rounded education inside and outside the classroom is greatly aided by UCLA Athletics. In terms of intercollegiate athletics, UCLA is still living up to its status as a national leader. UCLA Bruins is presently ranked second in the US with 121 NCAA championships.
The UCLA men’s and women’s athletic programs finished 15th in the Directors Cup national all-around excellence assessment in 2021–2022. Throughout the 11-year Capital One Cup, men placed in the top 10 three times and women seven times.
Over its 23-year existence, the men’s program has ranked first 11 times, while the women’s team has finished in the top five five times in the last nine years. In 1981–82, UCLA became the first college in the nation to win five consecutive NCAA men’s and women’s titles. UCLA participates in competition as the blue and gold Bruins.
UCLA’s influence extends beyond team achievements, as it has also nurtured a record number of professional athletes and Olympians, including:
- Ann Meyers Drysdale
- Arthur Ashe
- Corey Pavin
- Dot Richardson
- Eric Karros
- Gail Devers
- Jackie Joyner-Kersee
- Jackie Robinson
- Karch Kiraly
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Lisa Fernandez
- Natalie Williams
- Natasha Watley
- Peter Vidmar
- Reggie Miller
- Troy Aikman
University of Southern California
Total (Men and Women) Sports Teams: 21
Conference: Pac-12
NCAA: Division 1
NCAA Team Championship Wins: 98
In Southern California’s vibrant and glamorous surroundings, USC’s popularity extends far beyond its beautiful campus. USC’s Trojans have a strong sports history that attracts strong student-athletes nationwide, from players in football and basketball to track and field. USC’s varsity athletics emphasis establishes a high bar and fosters a culture that values resiliency, commitment, honesty, and teamwork.
Renowned in the Sports Division 1 NCAA, USC is among the top schools for football, basketball, and track and field programs. The USC philosophy of paralleling education and college sports underscores the blend of gifted athletes, a committed coaching staff, and an enthusiastic fan base.
This collaborative ethos between coaches and teammates encourages growth, development, and success, making USC a hotbed for athletes, especially track and field stars. USC’s varsity sports programs allow student-athletes to shine in their respective sports and add to the vibrant and competitive spirit that characterizes the university.
Among the distinguished alumni who’ve ascended to national professional competitions include:
- Carson Palmer
- Cheryl Miller
- Lenny Krayzelburg
- Lisa Leslie
- Marcus Allen
- Mark McGwire
- Matt Leinart
- OJ Simpson
- Reggie Bush
- Stan Smith
University of Texas at Austin
Total (Men and Women) Sports Teams: 20
Conference: Big 12 SEC
NCAA: Division I
NCAA Team Championship Wins: 61
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the most anticipated colleges for athletic students. Mainly known for its collegiate football program, UT Austin also has several college sports programs that brought home several NCAA Wins. They became famous in sports since their #9 placement in the whole country for sports among Division 1 NCAA plays.
The Texas Longhorns won 61 team championships in the NCAA, which is a big deal. Not only that, but they also have 371 individual titles. That means the people on the teams are good at what they do.
Regarding baseball, the Longhorns have played in the College World Series more times than any other team. It’s like the big leagues for college baseball. And guess what? The swimming and diving teams for both guys and girls and the football team are known for being good. They’re like the kings and queens of their sports.
Texas Longhorns have produced several professional players that left a legacy in their sports, including:
- Ben Crenshaw
- Cat Osterman
- Clarissa Davis
- Earl Campbell
- Huston Street
- Kevin Durant
- Ricky Williams
- Roger Clemens
- Tommy Nobis
- Vince Young
University of Michigan
Total (Men and Women) Sports Teams: 29
Conference: Big Ten
NCAA: Division I
NCAA Team Championship Wins: 35
The University of Michigan (UM) is a well-known collegiate athletics school renowned for its dedication to offering state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch instruction. With cutting-edge facilities and training tools, the university’s sports programs can draw elite athletes and foster a culture of constant growth.
UM Wolverines excel at many sports, but mainly for their football program, nicknamed “The Big House,” which is displayed at Michigan Stadium. Moreover, its basketball teams have made a big impression on collegiate basketball leagues, being home to the Crisler Center.
UM’s pursuit of excellence isn’t limited to popular sports. It extends to lesser-known disciplines like rowing, track and field, and lacrosse. The university’s community spirit, embodied in the “Maize and Blue,” generates an electrifying atmosphere during games and competitions. This spirit fuels the teams and enriches the overall college experience.
Some of UM’s most notable players who made it to professional players include:
- Bill Freehan
- Elise Ray
- Forest Evashevski
- James Hall
- Jeff Backus
- Jim Abbott
- John Morse
- Katelynn Flaherty
- MC Burton Jr
- Steve Breaston
- Tim Hardway Jr
- Tom Dolan
- Trey Burke
University of California, Berkeley
Total (Men and Women) Sports Teams: 30
Conference: Pac-12
NCAA: Division I
NCAA Team Championship Wins: 5
The University of California, Berkeley, is known not only for its strength in various academic programs, including computer science and engineering but also for its competitive sports team.
California, a powerhouse in both academics and athletics, has clinched numerous national titles and made its mark in the Olympics. The Golden Bears, who train in top-notch facilities like the California Memorial Stadium and Haas Pavilion, reached their pinnacle in the 2010-11 season with 1,219.50 points.
In 2014, the university set a high bar for academic excellence, mandating that 80% of incoming student-athletes boast a 3.0 or higher high school grade point average, a testament to their dedication and discipline.
The California Golden Bears have recognized collegiate players in both national and international play. In addition to NCAA championship plays the Golden Bears have brought home 17 medals from the London Olympics and 21 from Rio.
Some of the most notable alums of UC Berkeley who have left a mark in the professional sports industry include:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Total (Men and Women) Sports Teams: 28
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference
NCAA: Division I
NCAA Team Championship Wins: 45
UNC at Chapel Hill is another competitive school in academics and athletics, where student-athletes are required to be competitive in their sports while maintaining high academic scores. Although more prevalent in men’s and women’s basketball, the UNC Tar Heels also has other overachieving athletics programs.
UNC-Chapel Hill’s men’s lacrosse team and women’s soccer team are other notable teams known for their excellence and commitment to academic success. The men’s lacrosse team produces top-tier athletes, while the women’s soccer team has numerous national championships.
UNC also excels in niche sports like field hockey and wrestling, promoting inclusivity and competition.
Some of the most known pro athletes who played for UNC-Chapel Hill at NCAA championships include:
University of Florida
Total (Men and Women) Sports Teams: 21
Conference: Southeastern Conference
NCAA: Division I
NCAA Team Championship Wins: 47
The University of Florida, home to the Florida Gators, is a feared school by several NCAA players. Two of the most dominant teams of UF are its football and basketball programs, which have bagged multiple NCAA championships.
The University of Florida has been ranked among the top ten NCAA Division I athletic programs since 1983-84, the only such ranking in the US for 39 consecutive years.
The NACDA or National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics has also recognized the Gators as one of the top seven Division I programs in the NACDA Directors’ Cup standings since 1993-94. Florida has consistently finished fifth or better in 22 years in the NACDA Directors’ Cup.
Notable Florida Gators alums:
- Tim Tebow
- Emmitt Smith
- Al Horford
- Dwayne Schintzius
- Ryan Lochte
- Mike Miller
- Matt Bonner
- Carlos Alvarez
Duke University
Total (Men and Women) Sports Teams: 27
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference
NCAA: Division I
NCAA Team Championship Wins: 17
Located in the center of North Carolina, Duke University takes great pride in its academic excellence, campus culture, and, most importantly, its active varsity sports program. With 27 varsity teams, Duke has a lot to offer to athletic students, including popular and niche sports like basketball, football, and soccer.
The university’s commitment to student-athlete welfare and academic integrity is evident through state-of-the-art training facilities, comprehensive healthcare support, and a dedicated staff of coaches.
Duke’s athletes have received numerous recognitions, including individual All-America honors and ACC Scholar-Athlete awards. Duke also emphasizes academic excellence, offering tutoring programs and study halls to help athletes excel both on and off the field.
Primarily known for their prowess in basketball leagues, Duke has produced several NBA players, including:
Pennsylvania State University
Total (Men and Women) Sports Teams: 31
Conference: Big Ten
NCAA: Division I
NCAA Team Championship Wins: 53
Penn State’s Nittany Lions have a rich athletic tradition and have excelled in various sports, including football, basketball, wrestling, and more. The wrestling program, in particular, has achieved remarkable success, capturing numerous national titles and producing elite athletes who compete at the highest levels.
Penn State offers state-of-the-art athletic facilities, comprehensive support services, a passionate student-athlete community, academic excellence, and valuable networking opportunities.
The university is also recognized for nurturing professional players, including:
- Franco Harris
- Lavar Arrington
- John Cappelletti
- Kerry Collins
- Saquon Barkley
- Tamba Hali
- Shane Conlan
- Mia Hamm
How To Choose the Best College as a Student Athlete
Attending college can either make or break your future. Imagine entering a college and acquiring student loans to pay the soaring amount of tuition only to realize in the middle of your program that the school does not align with your personal and professional interests. It’s like signing up for a race and realizing halfway through that you’re on the wrong track.
Choosing the right college is hard enough as it is for the average high school student, let alone being a young student-athlete. Here are some helpful tips that will help you pin down the best college for your aspirations.
#1 Focus on Your Academic Interests
A lot of times, high school athletes only think about their sports and disregard any academic pursuits. Prioritizing sports over academics can be a risky gamble.
For one, you must remember that not many college athletes reach the professional ranks. Many talented players out there never got the chance to play professionally due to the intense competition.
For instance, EXACT Sports reported that only 0.02 to 0.03% of NCAA Division 1 players actually make it to professional plays. If you don’t have a well-rounded degree, you may end up with a lot of student debt you cannot pay.
Main point: education ensures you always have something to fall back on if your athletic career doesn’t work out.
So, before pursuing a college known for your sports, prioritize choosing a college that aligns with your interested majors and degrees. Later, you can compare each college on your list and see which boasts the best facilities and programs for your sport.
#3 Understand the NCAA Divisions
Intercollegiate sports are divided into three categories by the NCAA:
- Division I is larger and more competitive, offering athletic scholarships.
- Division-II schools offer limited scholarships.
- Division III schools are athletically competitive but do not offer athletic scholarships.
In addition, you can pursue academic and athletic development in junior colleges and NAIA schools. This will help you secure a spot in Division-I sports.
Deciding which college division is right for you depends on your interest in sports. If you’re really good and think a Division I school might want you, you could focus on getting a sports scholarship there. The first thing to do is figure out how good you are at your sport and how well you’re doing in high school.
#3 Set Your Expectations Right
You don’t want to be disappointed. A lot of NCAA Division 1 schools are also among the most competitive colleges in sports.
For instance, Stanford University, the top college for sports, has a 3.9 acceptance rate. This means this school is only possible if you’re in the top 10 of your graduating class with high standardized test scores and glowing recommendation letters.
You don’t always have to enroll in Division 1 schools to feel the impact of your athletic prowess. There’s a common misconception that only Division 1 schools offer the stage for athletes to make a mark. In reality, the right fit for you might not necessarily be on the grandest collegiate stage.
Some schools offer many intramural sports and competitive clubs where you can showcase your talents, broaden your networks, and develop your skills. Take, for example, Scott Chandler. He didn’t choose the conventional path of a Division 1 powerhouse. Instead, he found his niche at The University of Iowa, a school prioritizing a vibrant intramural sports and competitive club scene.
The little time commitment of intramural and club sports is a big perk; it lets you stay off campus and concentrate on your studies while still being a valuable member of a team.
#4 Request a Tour of the Campus
You should request a campus and facilities tour, even if you have prequalified for a Division 1 and Division 2 school. Not all Division 1 schools will fit your needs—academically, socially, or even athletically. You should remove the labels from schools and consider if their programs and offerings actually fit your interests and needs.
Always remember that the facility and its athletic services will impact your development as an athlete and as a student. These services, which may include academic tutoring, nutrition counseling, and strength and conditioning programs, can significantly enhance your athletic performance and academic success.
When you visit, pay attention to the campus, the sports facilities, and the overall vibe. You should also ask questions and learn more about the sports programs, the coaches, and what a typical day looks like for a student-athlete, as well as other points to avoid common mistakes.
Another thing to avoid is choosing a college based only on their current coach. Sure, coaches play a big role in molding your talents and skills, but they will not always be there, especially the old ones. Coaches come and go; you want a college that fits you even if the coaching lineup changes.
#5 Confirm Roaster
Some student-athletes choose a college without understanding what they’re signing up for. In addition to confirming that the college has all the facilities and support you need as an athlete, you should also ensure that you’ll be guaranteed a spot on the team.
What’s the use of the school’s sporting facilities if you won’t get on the roster anyway? You should consider whether you prefer being on a stronger team with less playing time or a less well-known team with more chances to play.
To avoid disappointments, it’s important to explore more schools during the research phase. Athletes might find a better fit in a school that wasn’t their first choice.
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