What exactly is a Division II University?

Hey all, I've seen the term 'Division II University' in various college descriptions. What does it stand for, exactly? How does it differ from other divisions, if there are any?

"Division II University" is a term that comes from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States. The NCAA oversees intercollegiate athletics and is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. The divisions do not refer to the academic quality or size of the schools, but rather to the size and scope of their athletic programs.

Division II universities are typically smaller than Division I schools and often function as regional rather than national institutions in terms of their athletic participation and recognition. They compete in a lower tier than Division I, although the competitiveness can still be quite high. An important difference lies in the area of scholarships. While Division I programs often offer full athletic scholarships, Division II institutions typically offer partial athletic scholarships, and the emphasis on balance between academics and athletics is much greater.

Division III schools, on the other hand, do not offer athletic scholarships but may offer other forms of financial aid. The emphasis in Division III is more on the 'student' part of 'student-athlete,' with a greater emphasis on the overall college experience, including academics and extracurricular activities.

In summary, being a Division II University denotes a certain balance between athletic competitiveness and an emphasis on academic achievement. It shows that athletics is valued, but not with the same intensity or resource investment as in Division I schools.