NCAA Colleges & Conferences
Comprehensive guide to NCAA athletic programs, conferences, and what international student-athletes need to know about competing at American universities.
Quick Stats
NCAA Division Overview
Division I
- 350+ schools
- Full scholarships available
- Highest competition
- March Madness
- TV exposure
Division II
- 300+ schools
- Partial scholarships available
- Balanced academics/athletics
- Regional competition
- Smaller class sizes
Division III
- 450+ schools
- No athletic scholarships
- Academic scholarships
- Academic focus
- Liberal arts colleges
Top NCAA Conferences
Power 4 Conferences
SEC (Southeastern Conference)
Top Programs:
- South Carolina Gamecocks
- LSU Tigers
- Tennessee Lady Volunteers
- Kentucky Wildcats
- Texas Longhorns
- Oklahoma Sooners
Big Ten Conference
Top Programs:
- Iowa Hawkeyes
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Maryland Terrapins
- USC Trojans
- UCLA Bruins
ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference)
Top Programs:
- NC State Wolfpack
- Virginia Tech Hokies
- Duke Blue Devils
- North Carolina Tar Heels
- Stanford Cardinal
- Cal Golden Bears
Big 12 Conference
Top Programs:
- Baylor Bears
- Kansas Jayhawks
- Iowa State Cyclones
- Kansas State Wildcats
- Arizona Wildcats
- Colorado Buffaloes
Strong Mid-Major Conferences
Big East Conference
Notable: UConn Huskies (11 National Championships)
Schools: 11 Teams
Strong athletic tradition, competitive programs, diverse international community in Northeast
American Athletic Conference
Notable: Memphis, Cincinnati, Houston
Schools: 14 Teams
Growing conference with opportunities for international athletes, diverse geographic footprint
Mountain West Conference
Notable: UNLV, San Diego State, Boise State
Schools: 12 Teams
Western schools, good academic programs, beautiful locations with international appeal
Pac-12 Conference Transitioning
Remaining: Oregon State, Washington State
Schools: 2 Teams (rebuilding)
Conference in transition, may become mid-major level
West Coast Conference
Notable: Gonzaga Bulldogs, Saint Mary's
Schools: 10 Teams
Strong basketball tradition, West Coast location, welcomes international students
Atlantic 10 Conference
Notable: VCU, Dayton, Saint Louis
Schools: 15 Teams
East Coast conference, competitive athletics, international-friendly urban locations
Other Notable Conferences
Conference USA
9 Teams - Southern/Western USMid-American Conference
12 Teams - MidwestSun Belt Conference
14 Teams - SoutheastMissouri Valley Conference
10 Teams - MidwestColonial Athletic Association
14 Teams - East CoastHorizon League
12 Teams - MidwestSouthern Conference
10 Teams - SoutheastPatriot League
10 Teams - NortheastIvy League
8 Teams - Elite AcademicsBig Sky Conference
12 Teams - Mountain WestSouthland Conference
13 Teams - South CentralASUN Conference
12 Teams - SoutheastKey Considerations for International Student-Athletes
Geographic Factors
- Climate:
Consider weather preferences - Southern schools (warmer), Northern schools (colder seasons)
- International Community:
Size of international student population, cultural diversity, and support services available
- Airport Access:
Proximity to major international airports for travel home during breaks and holidays
Academic Factors
- English Language Support:
ESL programs, writing centers, tutoring, and academic support for non-native English speakers
- Major Programs:
Strong programs in your academic interest area, considering post-graduation work opportunities
- Academic Standards:
NCAA eligibility requirements, TOEFL/IELTS scores, and grade conversion processes
Athletic Factors
- International Recruiting History:
Track record of recruiting and developing international athletes in your sport
- Coaching Style:
Coaching philosophy and experience working with international players from diverse backgrounds
- Playing Opportunities:
Realistic opportunities for playing time based on roster depth and team needs
Financial Factors
- Scholarship Types:
Full vs. partial athletic scholarships, academic aid opportunities for international students
- Cost of Living:
Regional differences in housing, food, and personal expenses across different US regions
- International Student Fees:
Visa costs (F-1), health insurance, international student orientation, and travel expenses
Research Tools & Resources
NCAA Statistics
Official NCAA statistics and rankings for all Division I athletic programs and sports.
Visit NCAA.comCollege Navigator
Department of Education tool to compare colleges by academics, costs, and outcomes.
Explore CollegesRecruiting Services
Professional recruiting services specializing in placing international student-athletes at US colleges.
Get ConnectedConference Comparison
| Conference | Competition Level | Academic Reputation | International Friendly | Scholarship Availability | TV Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC | Highest | High | Excellent | High | Excellent |
| Big Ten | Highest | Excellent | Very Good | High | Excellent |
| ACC | High | Excellent | Good | High | Good |
| Big 12 | High | High | Good | High | Good |
| Big East | High | High | Good | Medium | Good |
| American Athletic | Medium-High | Medium | Good | Medium | Fair |
| Mountain West | Medium | Medium | Good | Medium | Fair |
| WCC | Medium | High | Good | Medium | Good |
| Atlantic 10 | Medium | Medium | Good | Medium | Fair |
| Pac-12 (Transitioning) | Uncertain | Excellent | Excellent | Uncertain | Minimal |
| Conference USA | Low-Medium | Medium | Fair | Low | Limited |
| Ivy League | Medium | Elite | Good | None (Academic Only) | Fair |
Ready to Start Your American College Journey?
Begin building your college list and track your recruitment process. Search hundreds of NCAA programs to find schools that welcome international student-athletes and match your academic and athletic aspirations.