When it comes to college athletics, the NCAA Division 1 is the most competitive and prestigious level. It is the highest level of competition for college athletics in the United States. Division 1 schools are known for their athletic programs and also for their academic rigor. As such, many college-bound athletes strive to compete at the Division 1 level. But what state has the most Division 1 schools?
The Answer: California
California is the undisputed leader in Division 1 schools, with a whopping 28 institutions. California is home to some of the best and most well-known universities in the country, including the University of California (UC) system, California State University (CSU) system, and Stanford University. These universities offer a wide array of athletics and academic programs, making them popular destinations for college-bound athletes.
The Next Contenders: Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania
The next-highest state in terms of Division 1 schools is Texas, with 17 programs. Texas is home to many of the nation’s top public universities, including the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, and Baylor University. Florida is the third-highest state, with 13 Division 1 schools. Florida is home to the University of Florida, University of Miami, and Florida State University, among others. Pennsylvania rounds out the top four with 11 Division 1 schools. Among the 11 are Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University.
The Rest of the Pack
The remaining states with Division 1 schools include: Ohio (10), New York (9), North Carolina (9), Georgia (8), Michigan (8), Illinois (7), Virginia (7), and Massachusetts (6). Each of these states is home to several well-respected universities with strong athletic and academic reputations.
Conclusion
When it comes to Division 1 schools, California is the clear leader with 28 programs. But Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania are not far behind, each with 17, 13, and 11 schools, respectively. The remaining states with Division 1 schools include Ohio, New York, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, and Massachusetts. With nearly 300 Division 1 schools in the United States, there is no shortage of options for college-bound athletes looking to compete at the highest level.