
Division I (D1) is the highest level of college basketball in the US. D1 basketball colleges are comprised of the most elite basketball players, and potential recruits must meet highly competitive athletic and academic standards. There are more than 350 D1 basketball colleges in the US, all of which field men's basketball teams, while all but two field women's basketball teams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Division 1 basketball colleges | 350+ |
| Number of NCAA member institutions that are Division 1 | 357 |
| Number of full members of Division I basketball conferences | 355 |
| Number of schools in transition from Division II to Division I | 8 |
| Number of schools in transition from Division III to Division I | 1 |
| Number of Division I members in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) | 130 |
| Number of Division I members in Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) | 127 |
| Number of non-football Division I schools | 100 |
| Number of states without a Division I basketball program | 1 |
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What You'll Learn

Division 1 schools have the biggest athletic department budgets
Division 1 schools are renowned for their elite basketball programs, with over 350 colleges across the nation offering a platform for the most talented student-athletes to showcase their skills. These colleges represent the highest level of collegiate basketball, attracting top recruits who strive to meet stringent competitive guidelines.
When it comes to athletic department budgets, however, not all Division 1 schools are created equal. In Fiscal Year 2022, only nine Division 1 schools transferred their athletic department profits back to their central campus budgets. This highlights a disparity in the financial management of athletic departments across different institutions.
It is worth noting that private schools, which often have substantial athletic department budgets, are not required to disclose their financial details. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to accurately compare the budgets of different Division 1 schools. Nonetheless, it is safe to assume that the athletic departments of Division 1 schools, particularly those with prominent basketball programs, have access to significant financial resources.
The impact of these budgets extends beyond the basketball court. Athletic departments contribute to the overall student experience, supporting various sports programs and providing scholarships for student-athletes. The financial autonomy of these departments allows them to invest in top-tier coaching staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive support services for their athletes. As a result, Division 1 schools with larger athletic department budgets are often better equipped to attract top student-athletes, fostering a competitive advantage on a national level.
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D1 schools generate the most revenue from basketball
Division 1 (D1) basketball colleges are considered the most elite basketball programs in the country. There are over 350 D1 basketball colleges in the United States, with 355 schools that are full members of 31 Division I basketball conferences.
D1 schools generate significant revenue from their basketball programs, with men's basketball being the second-highest grossing sport for colleges, behind football. The revenue generated by D1 schools from basketball includes event ticket sales, admission fees, game guarantees, TV and media rights, licensing, advertising, sponsorships, and royalty rights. While football generates more revenue overall, men's basketball has a higher average revenue per player due to smaller roster sizes.
The revenue generated by D1 basketball programs can have a significant impact on the schools themselves, beyond just the athletic department. The success of a basketball program can boost a university's image, increase student applications and enrollment, and attract more alumni donations. However, it's important to note that athletic expenditures often exceed revenues, even for high-grossing programs. The expenses include coach salaries, bonuses, and other athletic department costs, which can lead to increased student fees and tuition.
While the revenue generated by D1 basketball programs can have financial benefits for the schools, it's important to consider the impact on athletes as well. The hyper-commercialized system of college sports in the US has led to a debate about compensating athletes, as they do not receive a salary despite producing billions of dollars in revenue for their schools. The NCAA has proposed a revenue-sharing model, which would allow schools to distribute a portion of the revenue to athletes while staying within the rules of amateurism. However, the allocation of the settlement amount among different types of schools has been criticized as potentially inequitable.
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Only 4% of students at Division 1 schools play NCAA sports
Division 1 (D1) athletes are student-athletes who participate in college sports programs that are members of the NCAA Division 1. Division 1 is the highest level of college sports competition in the United States, with around 190,000 student-athletes competing at this level. It includes many of the largest and most well-known universities and athletic programs. There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the nation, with 355 schools that are full members of 31 Division 1 basketball conferences.
While Division 1 sports offer the highest level of competition, it is important to remember that only a small percentage of students at these schools participate in NCAA sports. In fact, only about 4% of students at Division 1 schools are NCAA athletes. This means that the majority of students at these schools are focusing primarily on their academic pursuits, rather than athletic competition.
There are several reasons why only a small percentage of students at Division 1 schools participate in NCAA sports. One reason is that Division 1 schools have the largest athletic budgets and can offer more scholarships compared to other division levels. This means that they can afford to recruit a smaller number of highly talented athletes, rather than a larger number of less specialized athletes. Additionally, Division 1 sports require a significant time commitment, with training and practices taking up most of an athlete's time. This leaves less time for academic pursuits, which may deter some students from participating.
Another factor to consider is the level of competition. Division 1 schools attract the best student-athletes in the nation, and the competition for roster spots is extremely high. This means that only a small percentage of students who try out for these teams will be successful. For example, while being a top basketball player on a high school or club team may help a student stand out, they will still be competing against other elite athletes for a limited number of spots.
Finally, it's important to consider the academic calibre of Division 1 schools. Many of these institutions are highly selective and have rigorous academic standards. Students who are accepted to these schools may choose to focus on their academic pursuits and prioritize their time accordingly. Therefore, while Division 1 schools offer an excellent platform for athletic competition, the intense competition for roster spots, demanding time commitments, and high academic standards may contribute to the low percentage of students participating in NCAA sports.
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D1 schools must have at least seven active Division 1 members
Division 1 (D1) is the highest level of college sports competition in the United States. There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the nation, with the exact number ranging from 351 to 365 according to different sources. These colleges are comprised of the most elite basketball players, and potential recruits must meet highly competitive recruiting guidelines.
Women's basketball is a mandatory sport, with at least seven members sponsoring it. At least two other women's team sports must be sponsored, and at least six members must sponsor five women's sports other than basketball, with at least two of those being team sports. This requirement ensures that D1 schools provide a well-rounded athletic experience for both male and female students.
D1 schools are known for their highly competitive sports programs and the extensive opportunities they provide to student-athletes. These schools invest heavily in their athletic programs, boasting the largest athletic budgets, top-notch facilities, expert coaching, and comprehensive support for their athletes. As a result, D1 schools attract the best student-athletes in the nation and offer a high level of competition.
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D1 schools are the most elite basketball programs
Division 1 basketball colleges are considered the most elite basketball programs. There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the US, with 355 schools that are full members of 31 Division I basketball conferences, according to NCAA statistics. These colleges are comprised of the nation's most elite basketball players, and student-athletes must work hard on and off the court to secure a spot on the roster.
D1 schools are the most elite because they are able to offer the most scholarships. Division I basketball has the most teams of any college sport, and this is largely due to the fact that it is much more affordable to fund basketball scholarships than other sports. Basketball programs can offer 13 full-ride scholarships to a team of 15 players, whereas a college football program needs 85 full-ride scholarships for a team of 90-130 athletes. The cost of equipment is also much lower for basketball players than for other athletes, such as football players who require helmets, pads, and cleats.
D1 basketball colleges are also considered the most elite because they are able to offer well-funded athletic facilities, experienced coaches, and the chance for national recognition and respect from dedicated fans. The top D1 basketball schools, such as the University of North Carolina and Duke University, are some of the most popular in the nation.
To compete at the highest level, student-athletes should consider attending an NCAA Division 1 basketball college. These colleges have highly competitive recruiting guidelines, and athletes must meet certain physical and athletic skill requirements. D1 schools are also able to offer athletes a chance at a partial or fully-funded athletic scholarship.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the US. These colleges are comprised of the most elite basketball players and are highly competitive.
Division 1 colleges are generally the biggest colleges with the largest athletic department budgets and their sports teams generate the most revenue. Division 1 colleges are often referred to as D1 colleges.
To play basketball at a Division 1 college, you must meet the highly competitive recruiting guidelines set by the colleges. You must be one of the best student-athletes in the nation and be prepared to work hard on and off the court.
All states except Alaska have Division 1 basketball schools. Alaska has two Division II basketball programs: the Alaska–Anchorage Seawolves and the Alaska Nanooks.











































