<p>Hi, I have noticed a trend on here that the main focus for athletics is either D1 or D3 and I was wondering why D2 is less desired or not really discussed on here? My kids are already in college sports and I don't know diddly squat about D2 but have been wondering why people don't seem interested.</p>
<p>Mom, If you look at the list of D2s in any sport you will likely not recognize the names of most of the colleges. I am NOT implying that they are lesser schools, just less recognizable, and you (or others) can make assumptions about what that might mean about the quality of education. On some sites, D2s are discussed a LOT because they provide more playing opportunity than a D1. CC folks lean toward the Academic DIIIs or upper level D1s.</p>
<p>I know two young athletes that recently signed on with D2 schools. In both cases the children were bright and good athletes, and had D1 offers, one from a very prestigious school but with not much sports money. I know both parents winced a little knowing the D2 schools they chose had lackluster names. But the one boy, between an academic scholoarship and a sports scholarship got a complete free ride at a school known for his major and plans to go on to his master’s anyway. The other chose a school that had an arrangement with our state flagship for engineering that you do your final year there and it is the flagship name that is on the resume for CONSIDERABLY less dough. I know you said your children were already in college, but for anyone else with rising athletes on this site, consider the $$$$, and consider what your child ultimately wants to do.</p>
<p>(Dear Lord, please help my DS decide what he wants to do…)</p>
<p>They are some great D2 schools out there. My D is going to a D2 that is one of the top engineering schools in the country. She had plenty of mid-major D1 interest, but the school she chose has a great mix of academics and athletics, and is a much better fit for studying engineering while playing a collegiate athletics. And they are a top 20 in D2 in her sport, and a better team than many of the D1’s she visited. And yes, while not a full ride, the money was very generous - and she should graduate with many high $$ job offers in hand. :)</p>
<p>There is a great list put out by NCSA that ranks colleges across all 3 divisions in terms of athletics & academics. [NCSA</a> Collegiate Power Rankings](<a href=“http://www.ncsasports.org/who-is-ncsa/power-rankings/(year)/2011/(tab)/0]NCSA”>http://www.ncsasports.org/who-is-ncsa/power-rankings/(year)/2011/(tab)/0)</p>
<p>I know for D’s sport, DII gives the least amount of athletic money. She has a couple DII schools on her list though. In her sport, NAIA is really the way to go unless you are a top national player and want to go to a top DI school. NAIA tends to give the most money and coupled with merit aid, kids can get pretty close to a free ride.</p>