Your Complete List of Division 2 Women’s Basketball Colleges

There’s nothing second best about competing at one of the nation’s top Division 2 women’s basketball colleges. In fact, many Division 2 women’s basketball teams are as competitive as their D1 peers—like those who go on to play for a D1 program, only 1.2 percent of high-school athletes land a roster spot at a Division 2 women’s basketball college. So, what sets D2 women’s basketball schools apart from the rest?

Playing at this NCAA level provides an added layer of flexibility for student-athletes. D2 women’s basketball schools typically have a less demanding schedule; while still jam-packed with practices, games and tournaments, players will have more free time during the off-season to explore other interests, take on a more difficult course or have some down time to hit the gym and stay at peak performance for next year’s season. Learn more about basketball scholarships on our basketball recruiting rankings article.

What else makes Division 2 women’s basketball colleges unique?

• Smaller campuses. While not all D2 women’s basketball schools will be smaller than those at the D1 level, the majority of them typically have less enrollments, which means smaller class sizes and more individual support. 
• More playing time. Surprise! Despite being the best player on your high-school or club team, you’re not guaranteed playing time, especially during your freshman year, at the D1 level. Athletes who compete at the D2 level will have a stronger chance of showing off their skills on the court during their first year on the team.

How many Division 2 women’s basketball teams are there?

There are just over 300 women’s basketball colleges at the NCAA Division 2 level. Though there are about 50 less member colleges than at the NCAA D1 level, these 313 basketball colleges are also comprised of elite players who are both athletically and academically competitive. Learn more about girls basketball scholarships on our AAU girls basketball article.

Before starting your search, check out NCSA’s D2 women’s basketball rankings and explore our complete list of Division 2 women’s basketball colleges below. Remember to keep in mind your own height and position-specific stats, whether you can meet selective admissions criteria, along with your own personal preferences. After all, college is, at minimum, a four-year commitment—make sure you choose to spend these years at a school that’s the best overall fit. 

D2 women’s basketball rankings

A few organizations provide NCAA D2 women’s basketball rankings, including the NCAA and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. Here are the top D2 women’s basketball schools, according to the NCSA Power Rankings:

1. Colorado School of Mines
2. Hillsdale College
3. West Chester University of Pennsylvania
4. Bentley University
5. Florida Southern College
6. California State Polytechnic University – Pomona
7. Truman State University
8. Rollins College
9. Grand Valley State University
10. Adelphi University

The NCSA Power Rankings are a great resource when exploring top Division 2 women’s basketball colleges. However, when it comes to finding the best athletic, academic, social and financial fit, D2 women’s basketball rankings are just the starting point. To find the best overall fit, cast a wide net and explore a complete list of Division 2 women’s basketball colleges before narrowing your search.