Division I

Division I schools, representing the highest level of collegiate competition, sponsor at least six sports each for men and women, and at least two team sports each for men and women. Division I teams usually play against Division I opponents. Division I schools must meet minimum financial aid awards for athletics, and maximum financial aid awards for each sport. (The University Centers participate in NCAA Division I. A few Community Colleges offer sports in NJCAA Division I.)

Division II

Division II schools sponsor at least four sports each for men and women and at least two team sports for men and women. Teams play against Division II and sometimes Division I opponents. Traditional rivalries with regional institutions dominate many Division II programs. Division II teams usually feature a number of local or in-state student athletes. Many pay for school through a combination of scholarships, grants, student loans, and employment earnings. There are maximum financial aid awards for each sport. Division II programs are financed in the school's budget like other departments. (A few Community Colleges offer sports in NJCAA Division II.)

Division III

Division III schools sponsor at least five sports each for men and women and at least two team sports each for men and women. Division III athletics features student-athletes who receive no financial aid because of their athletic ability. It encourages participation in any of numerous athletics opportunities, emphasizing regional in-season and conference competition. Athletic departments are staffed and funded like any other department in the university. (University Colleges and several Technology Colleges participate in NCAA Division III athletics. A few of the Technology Colleges and Community Colleges offer NJCAA Division III programs.)

Intramurals

Most schools feature organized sporting events between groups on campus - football games between two fraternities or friendly competitions between residence halls would be examples. In intramurals, players come from within the same institution.

In addition to organized intramural sports, many campuses sponsor clubs - student organizations formed by and for students to promote and develop interest and skill in a particular sport.