US Regions & Climate Guide
Understand the 5 major US regions, their climates, cultures, and what it's like to compete as an NCAA student-athlete. Make informed decisions about where you want to study and compete based on weather, cost of living, and lifestyle.
NCAA Conference Regions
Region Details
Click on a region to see conference details
Regions
Complete Regional Guide for International Athletes
Climate, culture, costs, and NCAA athletic opportunities in each US region
Northeast
Climate & Weather
Four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters (-5°C to 5°C) and warm summers (20°C to 30°C). Heavy snowfall November-March. Spring and fall are mild.
NCAA Sports Culture
Historic athletic traditions, academic-focused programs, intense rivalries across all sports. Strong prep sports culture. Ice hockey, lacrosse, and basketball particularly popular.
Cost of Living
High - Expect higher costs for housing, food, and transportation. NYC and Boston are most expensive.
International Travel
Major international airports: JFK, Newark, Boston Logan, Philadelphia. Direct flights to Europe, Asia, Africa. Easy access home for holidays.
International Community
Very diverse, large international student populations. Many cultural communities and support services.
🏙️ Major Cities: New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC
🏆 Top Conferences: Big East, ACC, Ivy League, Atlantic 10
States: ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE, DC
Southeast
Climate & Weather
Warm, humid summers (25°C to 35°C) and mild winters (5°C to 15°C). Subtropical in Florida - warm year-round. Hurricane season August-November.
NCAA Sports Culture
Passionate sports region with strong traditions. Football dominates but basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer growing rapidly. Year-round outdoor training climate.
Cost of Living
Moderate - More affordable than Northeast. Florida and major cities higher. Good value overall.
International Travel
Major hubs: Atlanta (world's busiest), Miami, Charlotte. Good connections to Latin America, Caribbean, Europe.
International Community
Growing international populations, especially in Florida and major cities. Southern hospitality culture.
🏙️ Major Cities: Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, Nashville, Birmingham
🏆 Top Conferences: SEC, ACC, American Athletic, Conference USA
States: VA, WV, NC, SC, GA, FL, KY, TN, AL, MS
Midwest
Climate & Weather
Continental climate with cold, snowy winters (-10°C to 0°C) and hot, humid summers (20°C to 30°C). Significant seasonal changes.
NCAA Sports Culture
Deep sports roots across basketball, football, and volleyball. Big Ten dominance across multiple sports, passionate fans, historic programs. Strong community support for college athletics.
Cost of Living
Low to Moderate - Most affordable region. Great value for international students. Chicago is higher.
International Travel
Major hub: Chicago O'Hare. Good connections to Europe and Asia. Central location for domestic travel.
International Community
Friendly, welcoming culture. Growing international populations in college towns. Midwest hospitality.
🏙️ Major Cities: Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Kansas City
🏆 Top Conferences: Big Ten, Big 12, Missouri Valley, Horizon League
States: OH, IN, IL, MI, WI, MN, IA, MO, ND, SD, NE, KS
Southwest
Climate & Weather
Hot summers (30°C to 40°C), mild winters (10°C to 20°C). Arid in west (Arizona), humid in east (Texas, Louisiana). Sunny year-round.
NCAA Sports Culture
Traditionally football-first region, but growing basketball, baseball, and soccer programs. Big 12 competitive across multiple sports. Diverse athletic culture.
Cost of Living
Low to Moderate - Very affordable, especially Texas. No state income tax in Texas. Great value.
International Travel
Major hubs: Dallas, Houston, Phoenix. Good connections to Latin America, Mexico. Growing international routes.
International Community
Very diverse, especially Texas. Large Hispanic/Latino populations. Multicultural cities with international support.
🏙️ Major Cities: Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, San Antonio, Austin
🏆 Top Conferences: Big 12, American Athletic, Conference USA
States: TX, OK, AR, LA, NM, AZ
West
Climate & Weather
Varied climates: Mediterranean coast (mild, 10°C-25°C), mountain (cold winters), desert (hot, dry). California has perfect weather year-round.
NCAA Sports Culture
Strong Pac-12 tradition across all sports, laid-back but competitive. Innovation-focused programs. Year-round outdoor training weather, excellent facilities, beach volleyball, water sports.
Cost of Living
High on coast (CA, WA) - Moderate inland (CO, UT). California most expensive.
International Travel
Major hubs: LAX, San Francisco, Seattle. Best connections to Asia, Pacific. Direct flights to Australia, Japan, China.
International Community
Very diverse, especially California. Large Asian, Pacific Islander populations. Progressive, multicultural environment.
🏙️ Major Cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas
🏆 Top Conferences: Pac-12, WCC, Mountain West, Big Sky
States: WA, OR, CA, NV, UT, CO, ID, MT, WY, AK, HI
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