NCAA Division I Specialty Classification Requirements
Some NCAA schools may pursue additional Division I classification pathways based on football subdivision status or sport sponsorship structure. Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) schools seeking Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) membership and schools sponsoring a sport of the opposite gender in another division must meet specific NCAA requirements, reporting obligations and membership standards.
FCS to FBS Reclassification
Football Championship Subdivision schools seeking reclassification to the Football Bowl Subdivision must meet additional football-specific membership requirements established by Division I.
Requirements may include:
- Attendance benchmarks
- Conference affiliation
- Financial aid requirements
- Sport sponsorship expectations
- Compliance and reporting obligations
Note: The completed Annual Report along with supporting documents must be completed, signed by approrpriate institutional officials and returned no later than June 1. Pursuant to Division I Bylaw 20.4.2, an institution seeking NCAA Division I FBS status, is required to submit by June 1 a strategic plan each year of the two-year process.
Multidivision Classification
Some NCAA schools may pursue additional Division I membership pathways based on football subdivision status or sport sponsorship structure. Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) schools seeking Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) membership and institutions pursuing multidivision reclassification must meet specific NCAA requirements, reporting obligations and membership standards.
Requirements May Include:
- Annual reporting requirements
- Strategic plan submissions
- Sport sponsorship documentation
- Financial aid compliance
- Conference affiliation requirements
Note: The completed Annual Report along with supporting documents must be completed, signed by approrpriate institutional officials and returned no later than June 1. Pursuant to Division I Bylaw 20.4.1, an institution seeking NCAA Division I status, is required to submit by June 1 a strategic plan each year of the two-year process.