Division II
What is NCAA
Division II?
NCAA Division II is home to approximately 300 colleges and universities across the country, all committed to a balanced approach to academics and athletics. UC Merced is proud to join this distinguished group—aligning with institutions that prioritize both student success and athletic achievement. Division II gives student-athletes the unique opportunity to compete in the classroom, on the field, in their career, for their causes and on their terms.
Division II schools tend to be mid-sized, with 87% enrolling fewer than 8,000 students. Athletic budgets for non-football programs average around $7.7 million, reflecting a sustainable and student-centered model of collegiate sports.
UC Merced:
A top institution in division II
UC Merced enters this new level of competition as one of the highest-ranked universities in the nation among DII institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings. This exceptional academic reputation, combined with our ability to offer athletic scholarships, positions the Bobcats to recruit high-achieving, high-character student-athletes from across the region and beyond.
NCAA Division II allows institutions like UC Merced to award athletic scholarships. These scholarships—ranging from partial to full—are allocated by each team within NCAA-mandated limits and awarded at the discretion of coaches and the athletic department. This flexibility allows UC Merced to build competitive rosters while remaining committed to the holistic development of each student-athlete.
*The details provided are current as of the posting date.
Competing in
The CCAA
UC Merced will compete in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)—widely regarded as the premier Division II conference in the nation. With 157 national championships to its name, the CCAA offers an elite competitive environment and strong regional rivalries. Notably, five member schools are located within 150 miles of UC Merced, providing opportunities for exciting matchups and strong fan engagement.
Nine of UC Merced's 12 varsity teams will join the CCAA. Men's and Women's Water Polo will compete in the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA). Men's Volleyball will compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF).
