National Collegiate Athletic Association
The NCAA is the most influential. Its members include the largest colleges, over 1000 schools are part of the NCAA.
NCAA DIV I Schools are the most competitive athletically, these schools can offer full and partial athletic scholarships and have academic eligibility requirements.
NCAA DIV II Schools are less competitive than Division I and have different eligibility guidelines and financial aid offerings
Prospective Division I and II athletes need to take NCAA specified courses beginning in the ninth grade.
The NCAA Eligibility Centre, is the organization affiliated with the NCAA that evaluates student's academic records to determine if they are eligible to play in Division I and II schools.