A Division II (D2) college is a classification within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States. D2 colleges offer a balance between rigorous academics and competitive athletics. Unlike D1 institutions, which often have larger athletic programs and more substantial scholarships, D2 colleges typically have smaller athletic budgets and offer partial athletic scholarships. However, they still maintain a high level of competition in sports. D2 colleges provide student-athletes with the opportunity to excel academically while participating in sports at a competitive level. These colleges often prioritize a well-rounded student-athlete experience, emphasizing personal growth and development both in academics and athletics. Here is a list of d2 colleges in North Carolina.
Barton College
Location: 200 ACC Drive NE, Wilson, NC 27893
Barton College, located in Wilson, North Carolina, is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Disciples of Christ. Barton competes in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the Conference Carolinas. The college offers a range of undergraduate programs and is known for its strong commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. With a beautiful campus, Barton provides students with a close-knit community and various extracurricular opportunities.
Belmont Abbey College
Location: 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Road, Belmont, NC 28012
Belmont Abbey College is a private Catholic liberal arts institution situated in Belmont, North Carolina. The college competes in NCAA Division II athletics as part of the Conference Carolinas. Belmont Abbey offers a variety of undergraduate programs and is known for its Catholic heritage, rigorous academics, and focus on character development. The campus features historic architecture and a serene setting for students to pursue their academic and athletic goals.
Chowan University
Location: One University Place, Murfreesboro, NC 27855
Chowan University, located in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, is a private Baptist-affiliated institution. It competes in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the Conference Carolinas. Chowan offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its diverse student body and commitment to Christian values. The university’s campus provides a supportive environment for academic and athletic pursuits.
Coker University
Location: 300 East College Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550 (main campus); Florence, SC (branch campus)
While Coker University’s main campus is in South Carolina, it has a branch campus in Florence, North Carolina. Coker is a private liberal arts institution competing in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the South Atlantic Conference. The university offers various undergraduate programs and is known for its dedication to personalized education and a strong sense of community. The Florence branch campus extends the university’s presence into North Carolina, providing educational opportunities to a wider audience.
Johnson C. Smith University
Location: 100 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216
Johnson C. Smith University, situated in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a private historically black university (HBCU) affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Johnson C. Smith offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its commitment to social justice, diversity, and academic excellence. The university’s urban campus provides a unique setting for students pursuing both education and athletics.
Lees-McRae College
Location: 191 Main Street, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Lees-McRae College, located in Banner Elk, North Carolina, is a private liberal arts college. The college competes in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of Conference Carolinas. Lees-McRae offers a variety of undergraduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning and outdoor education. The picturesque campus, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, provides students with unique opportunities to combine academics and outdoor adventures.
Limestone University
Location: 1115 College Drive, Gaffney, SC 29340 (main campus); Extended Campus locations in North Carolina
Limestone University’s main campus is in Gaffney, South Carolina, but it offers extended campus locations in North Carolina, providing educational access in the state. Limestone is a private liberal arts university competing in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of Conference Carolinas. The university offers various undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing personalized education and career readiness. Its extended campus locations in North Carolina aim to make education more accessible to local communities.
Livingstone College
Location: 701 West Monroe Street, Salisbury, NC 28144
Livingstone College, located in Salisbury, North Carolina, is a private historically black college (HBCU) affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The college competes in NCAA Division II athletics as part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Livingstone offers a variety of undergraduate programs and is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. The college’s campus in Salisbury provides a supportive environment for both academics and athletics.
Mars Hill University
Location: 100 Athletic Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754
Mars Hill University is a private liberal arts institution situated in Mars Hill, North Carolina. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the South Atlantic Conference. Mars Hill offers a range of undergraduate programs and is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and a strong sense of community. The university’s campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers a serene backdrop for students pursuing their academic and athletic goals.
Queens University of Charlotte
Location: 1900 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28207
Queens University of Charlotte, located in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, is a private university that competes in NCAA Division II athletics. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to community service. Queens University provides students with the advantages of an urban campus, including access to internships and cultural opportunities, while also fostering a tight-knit academic community.
University of Mount Olive
Location: 634 Henderson Street, Mount Olive, NC 28365
The University of Mount Olive, situated in Mount Olive, North Carolina, is a private institution affiliated with the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of Conference Carolinas. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on faith-based education, community engagement, and career readiness. The university’s campus provides a welcoming environment for students pursuing both academics and athletics.
– Art Colleges in North Carolina
– Basketball Colleges in North Carolina
