Andrew Pace
There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the United States, with 351 and 358 also cited as the number of colleges. These colleges are comprised of the most elite basketball players, with a high level of competition for roster spots. Division 1 basketball colleges are considered some of the top colleges in the nation, with well-known programs including the University of North Carolina and Duke University. There are over 1,400 4-year colleges with basketball teams across Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of colleges in Division 1 men's basketball | More than 350 |
| Number of schools that are full members of Division I basketball conferences | 355 |
| Number of schools in transition from Division II and Division III | 9 |
| Number of Division 2 basketball colleges | 304 |
| Number of Division 3 basketball colleges | 420 |
| Number of teams that have won multiple national championships | 15 |
| Number of states without a Division I basketball program | 1 |
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What You'll Learn
- There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the US
- The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) governs college basketball
- NAIA Tournament features 32 teams, unlike the NCAA Tournament
- Chicago State was the last independent team in Division I of the NCAA
- Duke University is a powerhouse Division 1 basketball program
There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the US
Basketball is a popular sport in colleges across the United States. There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the US, comprising the most elite basketball players in the country. These colleges are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, which is the highest level of college basketball.
Division 1 includes most of the big colleges and universities in the country, and the basketball teams have 13 full scholarships available. While athletes are not paid, they receive free tuition, accommodation, and other benefits. In recent years, Division 1 athletes have also been allowed to market themselves and receive payment for advertisements.
Competition for roster spots at Division 1 colleges is fierce, and student-athletes need to demonstrate an extremely high level of dedication, passion, and hard work to secure a place. The top Division 1 basketball schools are among the most popular in the nation, with many recognising and supporting powerhouse programs such as the University of North Carolina and Duke University.
When considering which Division 1 college to target, student-athletes should explore a complete list of colleges, meet or exceed competitive recruiting guidelines, and stay up to date on rankings. Other factors to consider include athletic and academic calibre, school size, location, cost, and personal preferences.
While Division 1 colleges are highly sought-after, it is important to note that only about 1% of the nation's 551,000 basketball athletes will go on to compete at this level. For those who do not make it to Division 1, there are other options such as Division 2 and Division 3 colleges, which still offer competitive basketball programs and the opportunity to balance athletics with academics and other interests.
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The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) governs college basketball
The NCAA draws up competition rules and eligibility criteria for athletes, and it supervises regional and national intercollegiate athletic contests. It also conducts national championships in various sports, including basketball. In 1973, the NCAA reorganized into three divisions (Division I, Division II, and Division III), each representing a different level of competition. Generally, larger schools compete in Division I, and smaller schools in Divisions II and III.
Division I and Division II schools can offer athletic scholarships to students, while Division III schools may not. Division I basketball colleges are considered among the top basketball colleges across the nation, and they are highly competitive. Division II colleges also require a high level of talent and commitment, and landing a roster spot is just as competitive as Division I. Division III colleges are the NCAA's largest men's basketball division, and they provide student-athletes with more flexibility and a less demanding schedule.
The NCAA also provides funding for NCAA sports and scholarships for college athletes, as well as educational services for members to help prepare student-athletes for life. There has been controversy surrounding the NCAA's restrictions on the benefits and compensation that collegiate athletes can receive, with some arguing that the NCAA, colleges, and universities profit unfairly from the work of athletes.
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NAIA Tournament features 32 teams, unlike the NCAA Tournament
The NAIA Tournament features 32 teams, unlike the NCAA Tournament, which has a much larger number of teams. The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) is a separate college sports organisation from the NCAA, with its own divisions, requirements, and scholarship opportunities. NAIA schools measure success not just by game scores but also by their financial bottom lines. While the NCAA has around 350 Division 1 basketball colleges, the NAIA has around 250 universities.
NAIA programs typically compete against local and regional teams, reducing travel time and providing a more flexible schedule for athletes. The NAIA does not restrict when and how college coaches can contact recruits, allowing for more freedom in communication and recruitment. NAIA programs usually have smaller recruiting budgets, but the organisation has awarded over $800 million in athletic scholarships, providing good financial funding opportunities for student-athletes.
NAIA Division I has a high level of competition, attracting talented athletes and offering a platform for exposure. It provides a balance between athletics and academics, with fewer hours of practice and competition, allowing athletes to engage in campus life and extracurricular interests. NAIA schools may be more affordable and have fewer entry requirements compared to NCAA schools, making them an attractive option for student-athletes seeking a combination of athletics and academics.
The NAIA Tournament's format of 32 teams allows for a more focused and intimate competition compared to the larger-scale NCAA Tournament. While the NCAA may have a greater number of teams and a higher level of exposure, the NAIA provides a competitive platform for student-athletes with its unique features and opportunities. The smaller number of teams in the NAIA Tournament can foster a tight-knit community atmosphere and a more personalised experience for athletes and fans alike.
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Chicago State was the last independent team in Division I of the NCAA
NCAA Division I independent schools are four-year institutions that compete in college athletics at the NCAA Division I level but are not part of an established athletic conference for a particular sport. These schools may still compete as members of an athletic conference in other sports. A school may be fully independent and not belong to any athletic conference for any sport.
Chicago State University, whose varsity athletic teams are called the Chicago State Cougars, was the last full independent school. It joined the Northeast Conference (NEC) after the 2023-24 season. The Cougars compete in the NEC, which they joined in 2024, and they sponsor 16 varsity teams, seven men's and nine women's teams in NCAA-sanctioned sports.
The University had previously been a member of the Western Athletic Conference from 2013 to 2022. In 2023, Chicago State began a fundraising campaign to expand its sports offerings, including the potential addition of Division I FCS football.
There are more than 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the US, with 355 schools that are full members of 31 Division I basketball conferences. These colleges are considered among the top men's basketball colleges across the nation. However, only about 1% of the nation's 551,000 basketball athletes will go on to compete at one of these basketball schools.
As of the 2024-25 season, there are no schools competing as full independents. However, there are still some NCAA Division I independent schools in specific sports. For example, there are five NCAA Division I independents in men's ice hockey, and three NCAA Division I FBS schools that are football independents.
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Duke University is a powerhouse Division 1 basketball program
Duke University's basketball team, the Duke Blue Devils, is a powerhouse Division 1 basketball program. Duke University is one of over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the United States. Division 1 basketball colleges are considered among the top men's basketball colleges across the nation. Duke University's basketball program has a rich history, with the game being introduced to the then Trinity College in 1906 by the school's Athletic Director, Wilbur Wade Card. The Duke Blue Devils compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Division I and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The team has achieved notable success, ranking fourth all-time in wins of any NCAA men's basketball program, with a remarkable 130-42 record in 47 NCAA tournament appearances.
Duke University has won five national championships, appeared in 11 national championship games, and reached the Final Four 18 times. The university's first NCAA Championship victory came in 1991, when the team, led by Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley, Grant Hill, and Thomas Hill, defeated the heavily favored UNLV Runnin' Rebels in a thrilling rematch of the 1990 final. Duke has also produced numerous talented players, with eleven named the National Player of the Year, 36 All-Americans, and 14 Academic All-Americans. The university has also had a significant impact on basketball beyond its own program, with many of its former players and assistants becoming head coaches at major universities and in the NBA.
The Blue Devils have a long tradition of excellence, with their men's basketball program being one of the most prominent and successful in the country. The team has consistently performed at a high level, appearing in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) five times and claiming 21 ACC regular-season titles. Duke's basketball program has also been characterised by its longevity and consistency, winning its 1000th game in 1974 and becoming only the eighth school in NCAA history to reach that milestone. The university has also demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, with 14 players named Academic All-Americans, reflecting a balance between athletic prowess and academic achievement.
Duke University's Division 1 basketball program has fostered a culture of winning and has produced numerous notable athletes and coaches who have gone on to shape the sport. The university's basketball team has consistently performed at an elite level, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the highly competitive world of collegiate basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the US.
No, there are currently no Division 1 independent schools.
The University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and Duke University are two of the most popular DI basketball programs.
