NCAA Division III independent schools

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NCAA Division III independent schools are four-year institutions that compete in college athletics at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III level, but do not belong to an established intercollegiate athletic conference for a particular sport. These schools may however still compete as members of an athletic conference in other sports. A school may also be fully independent, and not belong to any athletic conference for any sport at all. The reason for independent status varies among institutions, but it is frequently because the school's primary athletic conference does not sponsor a particular sport.

Contents

Full independents

Departing members are highlighted in pink.

Current members

InstitutionLocationFoundedAffiliationEnrollmentNicknameJoined [a] Football?Future
primary
conference
Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, Wisconsin 1968 Baptist 1,169 Sabercats 2013NoNone
Trinity Washington University [b] Washington, D.C. 1897 Catholic
(SNDdeN)		2,100 Tigers 2007;
2015 [c] 		NoNone
Notes
  1. ↑ Represents the calendar year when fall sports competition begins.
  2. ↑ This institution is a women's college, therefore it does not compete in men's sports.
  3. ↑ Trinity Washington left the Independent ranks after the 2011–12 school year; before re-joining in the 2015–16 school year.

Former members

InstitutionLocationFoundedAffiliationEnrollmentNicknameJoined [a] Left [b] Football?Current
primary
conference
Alfred State College Alfred, New York 1908Public [c] 3,500 Pioneers 20132017Yes Allegheny Mountain (AMCC)
Alverno College [d] Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1887 Catholic
(S.S.S.F.)		1,664 Inferno 20002004No Northern Athletics (NACC)
Asbury University Wilmore, Kentucky 1890 Christian 1,054 Eagles 20212024No C.C. of the South (CCS)
Bard College Annandale-on-Hudson, New York 1860 Episcopal 1,958 Raptors 19902004No Liberty (LL)
Berea College Berea, Kentucky 1855Christian
(Unaffiliated)		1,613 Mountaineers 20142017No Heartland (HCAC)
Binghamton University Vestal, New York 1844Public [c] 17,768 Bearcats 19971998No America East (AEC) [e]
Bluffton University Bluffton, Ohio 1899 Mennonite 1,094 Beavers 19961998 Yes Heartland (HCAC)
Bob Jones University Greenville, South Carolina 1927 Nondenominational 2,916 Bruins 20202023No NCCAA
Cairn University [f] Langhorne, Pennsylvania 1913 Nondenominational 2,200 Highlanders 20012004No United East
Castleton University Castleton, Vermont 1787Public [g] 2,399 Spartans 19732001YesN/A [h]
Centenary University Hackettstown, New Jersey 1867 United Methodist 1,597 Cyclones 19972003No Atlantic East (AEC)
Chapman University Orange, California 1861 DoC & UCC 10,001 Panthers 19942011Yes Southern California (SCIAC)
Chowan University Murfreesboro, North Carolina 1848 Baptist 981 Hawks 20042007Yes Carolinas (CC) [i]
Clarks Summit University [j] Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania 1932 Baptist 1,142 Defenders 20012004NoClosed in 2024
Colorado College Colorado Springs, Colorado 1874Nonsectarian2,266 Tigers 19732006 No Southern Collegiate (SCAC)
University of Dallas Irving, Texas 1956 Catholic 2,538 Crusaders 2001;
2010 [k] 		2008;
2011		No Southern Collegiate (SCAC)
Defiance College Defiance, Ohio 1850 United Church of Christ 1,000 Yellow Jackets 19951997Yes Wolverine-Hoosier (WHAC) [l]
Farmingdale State College East Farmingdale, New York 1912Public [c] 8,162 Rams 20012003No Skyline
Finlandia University Hancock, Michigan 1896 Lutheran
(ELCA)		507 Lions 20022017 [m] NoClosed in 2023
Green Mountain College Poultney, Vermont 1834 United Methodist N/A Eagles 20052008NoClosed in 2019
Husson University Bangor, Maine 1898Nonsectarian3,476 Eagles 20012003Yes North Atlantic (NAC)
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, Illinois 1890Nonsectarian2,977 Scarlet Hawks 20132018No Northern Athletics (NACC)
La Sierra University Riverside, California 1922 Seventh-day Adventist 2,199 Golden Eagles 20062010No CalPac (CPC) [l]
Lancaster Bible College Lancaster, Pennsylvania 1933 Nondenominational 954 Chargers 20062011No United East
Lincoln University Oxford, Pennsylvania 1854Public2,650 Lions 19732008Yes Central Intercollegiate (CIAA) [i]
Lyon College Batesville, Arkansas 1872 Presbyterian
(PCUSA)		700 Scots 20222023Yes St. Louis (SLIAC)
University of Maine at Farmington Farmington, Maine 1863Public [n] 1,861 Beavers 19992003No North Atlantic (NAC)
University of Maine at Presque Isle [o] Presque Isle, Maine 1903Public [n] 1,469 Owls 20052017No North Atlantic (NAC)
Meredith College [d] Raleigh, North Carolina 1891Nonsectarian1,990 Avenging Angels 19862007No USA South
Mills College [d] Oakland, California 1852Nonsectarian1,345 Cyclones 1994;
2016 [p] 		2013;
2017		NoN/A [q]
Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1903Nonsectarian2,122 Raiders 20062007No Northern Athletics (NACC)
Mississippi University for Women [r] Columbus, Mississippi 1884Public2,479 Owls 20192023No St. Louis (SLIAC)
Mitchell College New London, Connecticut 1938Nonsectarian572 Mariners 20052008No Great Northeast (GNAC)
Mount Mary University [d] Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1913 Catholic
(SSND)		1,209 Blue Angels 2007;
2016 [s] 		2015;
2018		No Coast to Coast (C2C)
Mount St. Joseph University Delhi Township, Ohio [t] 1920 Catholic
(S.C.C.)		1,889 Lions 19961998Yes Heartland (HCAC)
Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, Nebraska 1887 United
Methodist 		1,600 Prairie Wolves 1982 [u] 2016 [u] Yes American Rivers (ARC)
New Jersey City University Jersey City, New Jersey 1929Public7,300 Gothic Knights 20042005No New Jersey (NJAC)
College of New Rochelle [v] New Rochelle, New York 1904 Catholic N/A Blue Angels 19822019NoN/A [w]
New York University Tandon School of Engineering [x] Brooklyn, New York 1854Nonsectarian4,487 Fighting Blue Jays 19792004NoN/A [x]
Newbury College Brookline, Massachusetts 1962NonsectarianN/A Nighthawks 20012008NoClosed in 2019
North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota 1930 Assemblies of God 1,200 Rams 20062013No Upper Midwest (UMAC)
Northern Vermont University-Johnson Johnson, Vermont 1881Public [g] 1,803 Badgers 19732001NoN/A [y]
Northern Vermont University-Lyndon Lyndon, Vermont 1911Public [g] 1,519 Hornets 20062008NoN/A [y]
Pine Manor College [z] Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 1911Nonsectarian419 Gators 1983;
2016 [aa] 		1995;
2017		NoN/A [ab]
Russell Sage College Albany and Troy, New York 1916Nonsectarian2,389 Gators 19932007No Empire 8 (E8)
Rust College Holly Springs, Mississippi 1866United Methodist900 Bearcats 19882017No HBCUAC [l]
Saint Elizabeth University [ac] [z] Morristown, New Jersey 1899Catholic
(Sisters of Charity)		1,200 Eagles 19882009No United East
Saint Joseph's College of Maine Standish, Maine 1912Catholic
(R.S.M.)		1,987 Monks 19752007No Great Northeast (GNAC)
Salem College [d] Winston-Salem, North Carolina 1772 Moravian 565 Spirits 20052009No USA South
Sarah Lawrence College Yonkers, New York 1926Nonsectarian1,782 Gryphons 20132014No Skyline
Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, Georgia 1978 Non-profit art school 11,897 Bees 19922003No The Sun (SC) [l]
Spalding University Louisville, Kentucky 1814Catholic
(S.C.N.)		1,692 Golden Eagles 20072009No St. Louis (SLIAC)
St. Joseph's University, New York – Brooklyn Campus [ad] [ae] Brooklyn, New York 1916Catholic
(C.S.J.)		1,261 Bears 20072015No Skyline
Stephens College [d] Columbia, Missouri 1833Nonsectarian754 Stars 19942004No American Midwest (AMC) [l]
Stevenson University [af] Stevenson, Maryland 1947Catholic3,621 Mustangs 19942004Yes MAC Commonwealth
Stony Brook University Stony Brook, New York 1957Public [c] 26,782 Seawolves 19941995 Yes Coastal (CAA) [e]
State University of New York at Canton Canton, New York 1906Public [c] 3,122 Kangaroos 20112017No North Atlantic (NAC)
State University of New York at Morrisville Morrisville, New York 1908Public [c] 2,486 Mustangs 20062007Yes North Atlantic (NAC)
Thomas College Waterville, Maine 1894Nonsectarian1,949 Terriers 20012003No North Atlantic (NAC)
Thomas More University Crestview Hills, Kentucky 1921 Catholic
(Diocese of Covington/
Benedictines)		1,963 Saints 19962005Yes Great Midwest (G-MAC) [i]
University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, California 1965Public [ag] 19,700 Banana Slugs 19802019 [ah] No Coast to Coast (C2C)
University of Valley Forge Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 1939 Assemblies of God 742 Patriots 20132017No United East
Warren Wilson College Swannanoa, North Carolina 1894 Presbyterian
(PCUSA)		650 Owls 20202022No Coast to Coast (C2C)
William Peace University [ai] [z] Raleigh, North Carolina 1857 Presbyterian
(PCUSA)		950 Pacers 20012003No USA South
Wilmington College Wilmington, Ohio 1870 Quakers 990 Quakers 19961998Yes Ohio (OAC)
Notes
  1. ↑ Represents the calendar year when fall sports competition begins.
  2. ↑ Represents the calendar year when spring sports competition ends.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Part of the State University of New York system.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 This institution is a women's college, therefore it does not compete in men's sports.
  5. 1 2 Currently an NCAA Division I athletic conference.
  6. ↑ Cairn was known as Philadelphia Biblical University during its stint as a member. It adopted its current name in 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 Part of the Vermont State Colleges System.
  8. ↑ Castleton was merged into Vermont State University in 2023, assuming the former's membership in the Little East Conference.
  9. 1 2 3 Currently an NCAA Division II athletic conference.
  10. ↑ Clarks Summit was known as Baptist Bible College & Seminary during its stint as a member. The school name was changed to Summit University of Pennsylvania in 2015, and to Clarks Summit University in 2016.
  11. ↑ Dallas initially left the independents after the 2007-08 school year to join the North Eastern Athletic Conference in some sports, including basketball. However, they rejoined after two years.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 Currently an NAIA athletic conference.
  13. ↑ Finlandia participated in the Great South Athletic Conference from the 2013-14 to 2015-16 school years, but only in women's sports. Men's sports remained independent during those school years.
  14. 1 2 Part of the University of Maine System.
  15. ↑ Maine–Presque Isle was also a dual member with the NAIA and the Sunrise Athletic Conference from 2005 to its folding in 2011.
  16. ↑ Mills initially left the independents after the 2012–13 school year to join the Great South Athletic Conference, however, they rejoined after three years due to the GSAC folding.
  17. ↑ Mills was acquired by Northeastern University in 2023, becoming part of that university's extended operations in the San Francisco Bay Area. In advance of this, Mills dropped athletics after the 2021–22 school year.
  18. ↑ MUW initially discontinued its athletics program after the 2002-03 school year, however, they restored it before the 2017–18 school year.
  19. ↑ Mount Mary initially left the independents after the 2014–15 school year to join the Great South Athletic Conference, however, they rejoined after one year due to the GSAC folding.
  20. ↑ The campus mailing address is Cincinnati.
  21. 1 2 Nebraska Wesleyan was also a member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1969-70 to 2015-16, therefore it held dual membership with the NAIA and the NCAA.
  22. ↑ New Rochelle was also a dual member with the USCAA and the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (HVIAC) from 2005 to 2019.
  23. ↑ New Rochelle merged into Mercy College after the 2018–19 school year.
  24. 1 2 The NYU engineering school was the standalone Polytechnic University while in the NEAC. Polytechnic became affiliated with New York University (NYU) in 2008 as the Polytechnic Institute of New York University (athletically known as NYU Poly), and merged completely into NYU in 2014. And as part of the final merger of NYU Poly with NYU, Poly's athletics program was merged into that of NYU.
  25. 1 2 Northern Vermont was merged into Vermont State University in 2023, assuming the former's membership in the North Atlantic Conference.
  26. 1 2 3 This institution is a former women's college, which has eventually turned into a co-educational college (William Peace since 2012–13, Pine Manor since 2014–15 and Saint Elizabeth since 2016–17).
  27. ↑ Pine Manor initially left the independents after the 2014–15 school year to join the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, however, they later rejoined after the 2015–16 school year.
  28. ↑ Pine Manor was acquired by Boston College in 2021.
  29. ↑ Saint Elizabeth (NJ) was known as The College of Saint Elizabeth during its stint as a member.
  30. ↑ St. Joseph's Brooklyn was known as St. Joseph's College during its stint as a member.
  31. ↑ St. Joseph's Brooklyn was also a dual member with the USCAA and the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (HVIAC) from 2004 to 2015.
  32. ↑ Stevenson was known as Villa Julie College during its stint as a member. It adopted its current name in 2007.
  33. ↑ Part of the University of California system.
  34. ↑ UC Santa Cruz participated in the Great South Athletic Conference during the 2015-16 school year, but only in women's sports. Men's sports remained independent during that school year.
  35. ↑ William Peace was known as Peace College during its stint as a member. It adopted its current name in 2011.

Football

Departing members are highlighted in pink.

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conferenceFuture conference in sport
Maine Maritime Academy Maine Maritime Castine, Maine 1941 Public 979 North Atlantic (NAC) Conference of New England (2025)

Field hockey

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Meredith College† Avenging Angels Raleigh, North Carolina 1891Private1,990 USA South
Southern Virginia University Knights Buena Vista, Virginia 1867Private1,106 USA South

† - Women's college, therefore not competing in men's sports.

Golf

Men

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Christopher Newport University Captains Newport News, Virginia 1961Public5,186 Coast to Coast
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Blugolds Eau Claire 1916Public10,043 WIAC

Women

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Christopher Newport University Captains Newport News, Virginia 1961Public5,186 Coast to Coast
Mount Mary University† Blue Angels Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1913Private1,209 Coast to Coast
University of Hartford Hawks West Hartford, Connecticut 1877Private6,792 CNE [a]

† - Women's college, therefore not competing in men's sports.

  1. ↑ The conference will sponsor women's golf starting in 2025–26. [1]

Ice hockey

Women

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeYearsPrimary conference
Hilbert College [a] Hawks Hamburg, New York 1957Private
(Catholic)		2022–present AMCC
Notes
  1. ↑ Joining UCHC starting in 2025.

Lacrosse

Men

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Whittier College Poets Whittier, California 1887Private1,540 SCIAC

Rowing

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Gordon College Fighting Scots Wenham, Massachusetts 1889Private2,109 CNE
Nazareth University Golden Flyers Pittsford, New York 1924Private3,140 Empire 8

Swimming & diving

Men

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Coe College [a] Kohawks Cedar Rapids, Iowa 1851Private1,355 American Rivers
Gordon College [b] Fighting Scots Wenham, Massachusetts 1889Private2,109 CNE
Johns Hopkins University Blue Jays Baltimore, Maryland 1876Private20,174 Centennial
Loras College [a] Duhawks Dubuque, Iowa 1839Private1,550 American Rivers
Luther College [a] Norse Decorah, Iowa 1861Lutheran2,573 American Rivers
Nebraska Wesleyan University [a] Prairie Wolves Lincoln, Nebraska 1887Private1,600 American Rivers
Simpson College [a] Storm Indianola, Iowa 1860Private1,966 American Rivers
Southern Virginia University Knights Buena Vista, Virginia 1867Private1,106 USA South

Women

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Coe College [a] Kohawks Cedar Rapids, Iowa 1851Private1,355 American Rivers
Gordon College [b] Fighting Scots Wenham, Massachusetts 1889Private2,109 CNE
Johns Hopkins University Blue Jays Baltimore, Maryland 1876Private20,174 Centennial
Loras College [a] Duhawks Dubuque, Iowa 1839Private1,550 American Rivers
Luther College [a] Norse Decorah, Iowa 1861Lutheran2,573 American Rivers
Nebraska Wesleyan University [a] Prairie Wolves Lincoln, Nebraska 1887Private1,600 American Rivers
Simpson College [a] Storm Indianola, Iowa 1860Private1,966 American Rivers
Southern Virginia University Knights Buena Vista, Virginia 1867Private1,106 USA South

† - Women's college, therefore not competing in men's sports.

Notes
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Coe College, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, and Simpson College compete in an invitational held by the American Rivers Conference but it is not an official sport sponsored by the conference so the colleges are functional independents.
  2. 1 2 Gordon College compete in the New England Intercollegiate Swimming & Diving Association Championship which is not recognized by the NCAA therefore these colleges are considered independents.

Tennis

Men

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
State University of New York at Oswego Lakers Oswego, New York 1861Public8,909 SUNYAC

Track & field (indoor)

Men

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Alfred State College Pioneers Alfred, New York 1908Private3,500 AMCC
Gwynedd Mercy University Griffins Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania 1948Private2,017 Atlantic East
Immaculata University Mighty Macs Immaculata, Pennsylvania 1940Private1,043 Atlantic East
Marywood University Pacers Scranton, Pennsylvania 1915Private2,470 Atlantic East
McMurry University War Hawks Abilene, Texas 1923Private1,430 ASC
Wentworth Institute of Technology Leopards Boston, Massachusetts 1904Private3,728 CNE

Women

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Alfred State College Pioneers Alfred, New York 1908Private3,500 AMCC
Gwynedd Mercy University Griffins Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania 1948Private2,017 Atlantic East
Immaculata University Mighty Macs Immaculata, Pennsylvania 1940Private1,043 Atlantic East
Marywood University Pacers Scranton, Pennsylvania 1915Private2,470 Atlantic East
McMurry University War Hawks Abilene, Texas 1923Private1,430 ASC
Wentworth Institute of Technology Leopards Boston, Massachusetts 1904Private3,728 CNE

Track & field (outdoor)

Men

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Wentworth Institute of Technology [a] Leopards Boston, Massachusetts 1904Private3,728 CNE
Notes
  1. ↑ Wentworth Institute of Technology competes in the Conference of New England Championship which is not recognized as a varsity sport by the conference thus Wentworth Tech is considered an independent.

Volleyball (indoor)

Men

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
California Lutheran University Kingsmen Thousand Oaks, California 1959Private3,298 SCIAC
Neumann University Knights Aston, Pennsylvania 1965Private3,000 Atlantic East
Simpson College Storm Indianola, Iowa 1965Private1,151 American Rivers
Springfield College Pride Springfield, Massachusetts 1885Private2,228 NEWMAC
University of California, Santa Cruz Banana Slugs Santa Cruz, California 1965Public19,700 Coast to Coast
Westminster College Blue Jays Fulton, Missouri 1851Private610 SLIAC
University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point Pointers Stevens Point, Wisconsin 1894Public7,545 WIAC

Wrestling

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Keystone College Giants La Plume, Pennsylvania 1868Private1,600 CSAC
Elizabethtown College Blue Jays Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 1899Private1,671 Landmark Conference
Elmira College Soaring Eagles Elmira, New York 1855Private819 Empire 8
Fontbonne University [a] Griffins Clayton, Missouri 1841Private944 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Huntingdon College Hawks Montgomery, Alabama 1854Private1,107 Collegiate Conference of the South
Marymount University Saints Arlington, Virginia 1950Private4,257 Atlantic East Conference
New Jersey City University Gothic Knights Jersey City, New Jersey 1927Public6,800 New Jersey Athletic Conference
Ohio Wesleyan University Battling Bishops Delaware, Ohio 1842Private1,600 North Coast Athletic Conference
Saint John's University (Minnesota) Johnnies Collegeville, Minnesota 1913Private3,640 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Schreiner University Mountaineers Kerrville, Texas 1923Private1,308 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference
The College of New Jersey Lions Ewing, New Jersey 1855Public7,340 New Jersey Athletic Conference
University of Scranton Royals Scranton, Pennsylvania 1888Private5,422 Landmark Conference
University of the Ozarks Eagles Clarksville, Arkansas 1834Private872 American Southwest Conference
Wabash College Little Giants Crawfordsville, Indiana 1832Private867 North Coast Athletic Conference
Westminster College Blue Jays Fulton, Missouri 1851Private609 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
  1. ↑ Fontbonne will close at the end of the 2024–25 school year.

Emerging sports for women

Acrobatics & tumbling

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
East Texas Baptist University Tigers Marshall, Texas 1912Private1,714 ASC
University of Mary Hardin–Baylor Crusaders Belton, Texas 1845Private2,713 ASC

Rugby

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Colby-Sawyer College Chargers New London, New Hampshire 1837Private1,043 GNAC
Marywood University Pacers Scranton, Pennsylvania 1915Private2,470 Atlantic East
Norwich University Cadets Northfield, Vermont 1819 Military 2,300 GNAC
University of New England Nor'easters Biddeford, Maine 1831Private8,085 CNE

Triathlon

InstitutionTeamLocationFoundedTypeEnrollmentPrimary conference
Central College Dutch Pella, Iowa 1853Private1,575 American Rivers
Coe College Kohawks Cedar Rapids, Iowa 1851Private1,355 American Rivers
Millikin University Big Blue Decatur, Illinois 1901Private2,118 CCIW
North Central College Cardinals Naperville, Illinois 1861Private2,490 CCIW

See also

References

  1. ↑ "CNE to Add Women's Golf Starting in 2025-26" (Press release). Conference of New England. September 12, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
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