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NCAA Division II Colleges

50 schools. See our methodology.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona delivers strong value at $11,580 net cost while serving 24,271 students, proving that large public institutions can compete with elite privates in career outcomes. Division II colleges span from CUNY Queens College's remarkable $3,830 price point to Embry-Riddle's specialized aviation programs at $40,289. These 291 institutions represent every corner of American higher education, from Colorado's mining expertise in Golden to Florida's emerging tech sector in Pensacola. The data reveals fascinating regional patterns: California schools dominate the affordable excellence category, while specialized programs like those at South Dakota School of Mines command premium prices despite their rural locations. Acceptance rates vary dramatically from UC San Diego's competitive 23.7% to Michigan Tech's open-door 93.7% policy. Graduation rates tell an equally complex story, with schools like Bentley University achieving 88.2% completion while others focus on access over selectivity. Career earnings range from $47,075 to $120,959, reflecting both program focus and regional job markets. These schools serve as economic engines for their communities, training the workforce that powers America's manufacturing, technology, and service sectors from coast to coast.
50
Schools
$17,699
Avg. Net Price
$61,440
Avg. Earnings
63.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division II Colleges

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 33,787 $11,750 87.6% 23.7%
2 5,801 $29,240 79.4% 58.0%
3 4,288 $38,787 88.2% 57.9%
4 24,271 $11,580 66.7% 55.4%
5 2,666 $12,030 68.4% 45.1%
6 5,467 $13,773 63.6% 81.5%
7 9,042 $8,155 61.8% 48.0%
8 868 $16,602 61.6% 41.0%
9 13,060 $3,830 60.2% 69.5%
10 10,093 $35,634 61.9% 26.4%
11 3,323 $20,579 70.9% 45.1%
12 5,829 $15,729 68.7% 93.7%
13 2,042 $20,380 58.2% 82.7%
14 634 $16,957 58.9% 62.7%
15 7,535 $40,289 67.4% 64.5%
16 5,108 $12,323 56.9% 51.1%
17 2,367 $32,977 57.1% 29.7%
18 14,067 $22,673 69.8% 87.9%
19 3,041 $15,108 55.7%
20 2,423 $20,911 62.8% 40.0%
21 5,088 $18,148 60.9% 73.8%
22 6,650 $19,880 61.9% 78.1%
23 4,093 $13,046 52.6%
24 6,728 $19,524 65.9% 74.3%
25 7,475 $18,464 64.5% 80.7%
26 6,502 $3,061 48.9% 47.9%
27 3,185 $26,870 71.8% 76.6%
28 5,599 $18,809 61.6% 80.0%
29 13,574 $18,680 65.5% 92.7%
30 3,120 $17,816 54.6% 56.6%
31 13,057 $14,838 63.6% 95.0%
32 1,650 $10,874 49.7% 57.2%
33 5,374 $13,801 60.5% 94.0%
34 9,564 $12,684 47.0% 54.4%
35 11,325 $18,609 54.1% 70.7%
36 5,811 $14,487 63.2% 92.4%
37 3,186 $6,199 39.8% 27.6%
38 2,280 $18,568 68.2% 81.4%
39 2,292 $8,916 61.4% 82.0%
40 1,702 $23,165 75.6% 66.5%
41 2,032 $34,744 83.2% 82.3%
42 19,073 $17,096 68.6% 90.4%
43 8,564 $5,671 58.0% 96.6%
44 8,748 $6,507 52.5% 51.6%
45 1,818 $24,723 75.6% 65.8%
46 2,541 $11,609 45.2% 43.1%
47 1,637 $26,815 70.9% 52.6%
48 20,033 $12,882 50.1% 94.2%
49 3,815 $25,022 74.3% 64.9%
50 21,478 $4,113 52.6% 86.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Division II colleges different from other NCAA divisions?

Division II colleges balance athletic competition with academic focus, typically enrolling 2,000-15,000 students. These 291 schools offer net prices ranging from $3,830 to $40,289, making them accessible alternatives to Division I universities while maintaining strong regional connections and career-focused programs that serve local job markets effectively.

How do graduation rates compare across Division II institutions?

Graduation rates span from 55.7% to 88.2%, with schools like Bentley University and UC San Diego achieving rates above 87%. The variation reflects different institutional missions, with some prioritizing access for first-generation students while others maintain selective admissions. Most schools cluster between 60-70% graduation rates.

Where do Division II graduates typically find employment?

Division II graduates earn between $47,075 and $120,959 annually, with technical schools like Colorado School of Mines producing graduates earning $97,335. These colleges often maintain strong regional employer relationships, placing graduates in local industries from aerospace in Florida to mining in Colorado and technology across California.

Does school size affect outcomes at Division II colleges?

School size varies dramatically from William Jewell's 868 students to UC San Diego's 33,787 enrollment. Smaller schools like Goldey-Beacom (634 students) can offer personalized attention, while larger institutions provide more program options. Both models succeed when aligned with student needs and regional demands.

What role do state funding patterns play in Division II costs?

Public schools demonstrate significant cost advantages, with CUNY Queens College at $3,830 and University of West Florida at $8,155 leading affordability rankings. Private institutions like Bentley command $38,787 but often provide specialized programs and smaller class sizes that justify higher investments for career-focused students.

How selective are Division II college admissions processes?

Acceptance rates range from UC San Diego's competitive 23.7% to Michigan Tech's accessible 93.7%. Most Division II schools accept 45-70% of applicants, balancing selectivity with access. Schools like University of Tampa (26.4% acceptance) compete directly with Division I institutions for top students.

NCAA Division II Colleges by State

Alabama (7) Arkansas (7) California (21) Colorado (10) Florida (14) Georgia (15) Kansas (5) Michigan (8) Minnesota (9) Missouri (13) North Carolina (17) New York (11) Ohio (10) Oklahoma (11) Pennsylvania (17) South Carolina (15) South Dakota (5) Tennessee (10) Texas (12) West Virginia (12)

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