Collectively, there are more than 360 Division I schools that field more than 6,000 athletics teams and provide opportunities for more than 200,000 student-athletes to compete in NCAA sports each year.

Division I schools provide unmatched academic and athletic opportunities and support. This support includes opportunities for full scholarships and cost-of-attendance stipends, plus degree-completion programs and academic revenue distribution from the NCAA for schools that meet certain criteria.

Division I is unique in that it’s subdivided based on football sponsorship. Schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) can gain eligibility for postseason bowls, including the College Football Playoff, which is managed by the 10 FBS conferences and Notre Dame outside the NCAA governance structure. Those that participate in the NCAA-run football championship belong to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The third Division I group, the Basketball Subdivision (BBS), does not sponsor football. The subdivisions apply only to football; all other sports are Division I and compete in NCAA-run championships.