DII CCA Membership Study Report 

CLEVELAND -- The Division II Conference Commissioners Association (DII CCA) today released the findings of its comprehensive Membership Study, "Strengthening Division II," a data-driven examination of the value, trends, and future direction of NCAA Division II athletics.

The study, conducted by The PICTOR Group in partnership with Church Church Hittle + Antrim, was commissioned by the DII CCA to better understand what drives institutions to join, remain in, or leave Division II — and to chart a path for strengthening the division amid ongoing change across higher education and college athletics.

"Division II is not simply a midpoint between Divisions I and III — it's a distinct model built around competitive athletics, academics, community engagement, and financial responsibility," the report states. The report also says "The future of Division II depends on clearly defining, communicating, and strengthening the characteristics that already set it apart."

Key Findings
The research, which was drawn on NCAA Institutional Performance Program data, Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act reports, historical membership trends, surveys of athletics directors and conference commissioners, institutional interviews, and competitive performance analysis, produced four central findings:

• Division II remains the preferred philosophical and operational fit for the vast majority of its members.
• Most threats to membership stability come from forces outside Division II itself, such as institutional closures, mergers, enrollment pressures, and broader financial challenges in higher education.
• Reclassifying to Division I requires substantial financial investment and frequently produces mixed results, even for institutions that were highly competitive in Division II.
• Division II's long-term strength depends on clearly articulating its distinctive value proposition while adapting to the evolving landscape of college athletics.

Survey respondents pointed repeatedly to the combination of factors that make Division II unique — regional competition, meaningful championship access, academic and educational purpose, community engagement, and financial sustainability — rather than any single defining trait.

"This study provides valuable information to help us strengthen Division II's future, build on our unique value, and position the division as a destination for institutions seeking a competitive and sustainable model," stated DII CCA President and GLIAC Commissioner, Kris Dunbar.

On Reclassification
The study's analysis of institutions that transitioned from Division II to Division I found that revenue gains at the Division I level were largely absorbed by rising costs, including recruiting, game-day operations, coaching salaries, and athletics aid. While some institutions reported benefits such as greater visibility or enrollment growth, others questioned whether those gains justified the long-term financial and operational commitment. The report concludes there is no single right answer for every institution — the decision requires careful evaluation of mission, financial capacity, and strategic goals.

Looking Ahead
Rather than encouraging Division II institutions to emulate Division I, the report calls for the division to invest further in its own model — described in the study as "Life in the Balance" — and to communicate that model's benefits more effectively to current and prospective members.

"Division II has a distinctive model that is highly relevant to the challenges facing college athletics and higher education today," said Sandy Hatfield Clubb, President of The PICTOR Group. "This study provides an opportunity to move beyond explaining what Division II is and begin defining what it can become. By strengthening its educational model, financial sustainability, and story, Division II has an opportunity to lead in a changing landscape. We are proud to have partnered with DII CCA on this important work."

The DII CCA Membership Study offers four recommendations:

1. Convene Division II leaders to collaborate on strategies that strengthen the division and its member institutions.
2. Clearly define a common Division II identity through an articulated educational model.
3. Align governance, legislation, and membership expectations with that identity.
4. Communicate Division II's story more effectively as a distinctive, stable, and sustainable model of higher education athletics.

"The independent data-driven study released by commissioners of Division II conferences highlights how divisional realignment impacts overall university finances and the college athlete experience. These are critical issues for presidents and university trustees to understand as the landscape in college sports continues to shift in dramatic ways," said Amy Privette Perko, CEO, Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.

"Division II is well positioned for the future if it builds upon the strengths that already distinguish it," the report concludes. "The greatest opportunity lies in confidently defining who it is, communicating its value clearly, and advancing shared goals and a vision for the future."

The full executive report is available on the website – CLICK HERE.

About DII CCA: Initiated in 1992 to promote its member conferences and institutions, DII CCA has made its mark in providing a united front for NCAA Division II athletics. Created after the break-up of the College Division Commissioners Association, DII CCA continues to create lines of communication and opportunities for its member conferences. The DII CCA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 62^nd year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.

About The PICTOR Group: The PICTOR Group is a premier athletic consulting firm focused on operational excellence, leadership development, and organizational health. With a national reputation for helping institutions optimize performance and strengthen internal culture, PICTOR brings decades of executive-level athletics experience and a proven methodology for guiding transformational change.