Spring Arbor University Athletics

Spring Arbor competes in the NJCAA, which means junior college athletics despite being a four-year institution. The Cougars field 16 varsity sports with 436 total athletes. That means 44% of the 990-student body participates in varsity athletics, an strongly high rate that reflects the school's commitment to athletic participation. The athletic department distributes $3.5 million in scholarships across all sports. NJCAA competition typically features less intense recruiting and smaller crowds than NCAA Division I, but offers more competitive play than Division III with scholarship opportunities. The high percentage of student-athletes creates a campus culture where sports participation is common rather than top. This aligns with Spring Arbor's Free Methodist values of community involvement and personal development through athletics.