Your Complete List of Men’s D3 Track and Field Colleges

Student-athletes who are looking for a well-rounded, balanced approach to their college experience should consider narrowing down their top schools to a targeted list of D3 track and field colleges.  Many student-athletes and their families are weary of considering D3 track and field colleges because they don’t offer athletic scholarships. However, it’s important to know that while even the best D3 track and field colleges don’t offer athletic aid, over 80 percent of D3 athletes receive non-athletics aid, in the form of financial aid, academic/merit-based scholarships, work-study grants and more.

Another great reason to consider adding a list of D3 track and field colleges to your favorite schools? While the best D3 track and field colleges are comparable to some D1 and D2 programs, the time commitment is not nearly as intensive. One of the perks at the D3 level is the opportunity to pursue other interests outside of track and field. Although it is typical for D1 and D2 track and field athletes to feel a bit more separated from their non-athletic peers, D3 athletes often feel as though they are a part of the larger college community, as they have more opportunities to participate in outside of their sport. It is commonplace to see D3 student-athletes adding a minor or even a double-major to their degree, participating in non-athletic clubs or extracurriculars, and even studying abroad or volunteering or interning in their spare time.

However, that does not mean that D3 track and field programs are any easier than those at the D1 or D2 level. Athletes looking to compete at the D3 level still need to be prepared to dedicate time, effort and energy into practices, meets and competitions. Additionally, they should be prepared to work off the track, too, as many of the best D3 track and field colleges are also home to some of the highest ranked academic programs, too. Athletes who have the talent, drive and academic criteria to compete for a D3 men’s track and field college should check out our full list of D3 track and field colleges below.  

What is the number of men’s NCAA Division 3 track and field teams?

There are more than 300 D3 track and field colleges throughout the country. D3 track and field colleges make up the largest men’s track and field division at any NCAA level. Recruits who compete at the NCAA D3 level will find programs that offer track and field and cross country, just cross country, or just track and field. Additionally, while not all schools offer both indoor and outdoor track programs, many programs offer indoor track during the winter season and outdoor track during the spring season. See our college track and field recruiting resources article.

Division 3 track and field rankings 

Several organizations offer NCAA D3 track and field rankings throughout both indoor and outdoor seasons, including the NCAA, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, and the Track & Field Results Reporting System.

Check out NCSA’s Power Rankings of top Division 3 track and field colleges.

Find the complete NCAA Division 3 track and field rankings here.