Hey guys! I'm interested in applying to some Division II colleges within Illinois for athletics. Can anyone recommend some good D2 schools in the state? Thanks!
Hello! While Illinois does not have a substantial number of Division II colleges, there are a couple of options you might consider. Here are the two main Division II schools in Illinois, which are part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC):
1. Lewis University: Located in Romeoville, Lewis University is a private Catholic university offering a wide range of academic programs and has competitive athletic teams. It might be a good fit if you're looking for a smaller university with a strong sense of community.
2. University of Illinois Springfield (UIS): UIS is a public university in Springfield, the capital of Illinois. It is one of the three campuses of the University of Illinois system. UIS offers a variety of academic programs and has a smaller, more intimate campus environment compared to some larger universities.
Although Illinois may not offer a wide selection of Division II colleges, you could also consider nearby states like Missouri and Indiana, which are part of the GLVC. This way, you could still compete against other Division II athletes and have a larger range of schools to choose from.
Alternatively, you might want to check out Division III schools in Illinois, which also offer collegiate athletics but do not provide athletic scholarships. Some of the notable DIII colleges in Illinois include Wheaton College, North Central College, Augustana College, and Illinois Wesleyan University.
Good luck with your search, and I hope you find the right college for both academics and athletics!
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