Keiser University is a popular private university in Florida that offers numerous academic programs and competitive athletic groups. If there is one question that prospective student-athletes and sports enthusiasts typically ask: Is Keiser University a D1 (Division 1) college?
The answer isn’t as simple as it might appear, and solving the divisions of college sports is the way to come to an understanding of Keiser’s level of athletic competition.
Understanding College Sports Divisions
Different organizations are in charge of college sports in the U.S. Mainly the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Here’s a quick breakdown:
- NCAA D1 (NCAA Division 1): The highest level of college athletics, large universities with big sports programs and athletic scholarships.
- NCAA Division 2 (D2): A notch down from D1, D2 schools actively compete athletically but offer fewer scholarships and facilities than the larger D1 institutions.
- NCAA Division 3 (D3): Less emphasis on sports, athletic scholarships not available but still competitive.
- NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics): A separate Association body that competes at a high level but is not part of the NCAA.
What Athletic Division is Keiser University In?
Contrary to popular belief, Keiser University is not an NCAA Division 1 institution. Keiser, instead, competes in the NAIA, an organization separate from the NCAA. Keiser has solid competitive sports programs but is not NCAA D1.
Does Keiser University Compete in NCAA D1?
So, no, Keiser University is not an NCAA Division 1 school. It is a member of the NAIA, which is not classified as top-tier in the NCAA’s division structure but is home to many strong athletics programs and a wide range of opportunities for NCAA-style athletics scholarships.
Keiser University’s Athletic Programs
Keiser University boasts a vibrant athletic department that competes in a variety of sports. Keiser University sports by the numbers Popular sports at Keiser University
- Football
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Golf
- Tennis
- Track and Field
The university has achieved national prominence in several sports, notably NAIA championships, with teams winning several titles.
Keiser University and NAIA
What is NAIA?
Instead, the other is in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, which governs small-college sports. Though it lacks NCAA D1 funding and exposure, there are still opportunities for competition at the level as well as that coveted education.
How is NAIA Different from NCAA D1?
The main difference between NAIA and NCAA Division 1:
- School Size: NAIA schools are typically smaller than NCAA D1 affiliated schools.
- Scholarships: NAIA institutions do provide athletic scholarships, but generally less in quantity than are offered at NCAA D1 programs.
- NAIA: There is strong competition, but it is widely viewed as being a notch below NCAA D1.
Keiser University fields a full squad in the NAIA Sun Conference, which contains similarly competitive schools in and around Florida.
Athletic Scholarships at Keiser University
Kieser’s athletic programs attract student-athletes with many scholarship opportunities. Keiser is an NAIA school, and like many NAIA schools, they offer generous need-based financial aid packages to help students succeed in the field and on the course, even if multiple years of a D1 scholarship would otherwise make D2 or NAIA schools financially infeasible.
Keiser University offers scholarships for a variety of sports, good academic performance, and fielding needs.
Conclusion
No, Keiser’s not in NCAA D1. Rather, it competes at the NAIA level, providing a competitive athletic program with scholarship options for student-athletes.
The strong athletics program, scholarships, and competitive teams available at Keiser University make this an excellent choice for students who are hoping to enjoy an athletic career while pursuing their degrees at this institution. For prospective college athletes who love sports or want to earn their degree, Keiser University could be the right fit.
