How Much Money Do D2 Athletes Get? The Truth You Need to Know

1. Understanding NCAA Division II Athlete Scholarships

Well, if you're wondering how much money D2 athletes make, you're probably curious about the difference between Division I and Division II athletics. Honestly, it can be a bit confusing because we often hear about the huge sports contracts and sponsorships in D1 programs, but Division II (D2) athletes aren't on the same financial playing field.

So, let’s break it down: NCAA Division II schools, unlike Division I, don't offer athletic scholarships that cover everything. The NCAA D2 model is unique because it offers a balance between athletics and academics, and the athletes get a mix of scholarship aid, but often not the full ride that D1 athletes enjoy.

How much can D2 athletes get in scholarships?

• D2 schools can offer athletic scholarships, but the amount varies greatly depending on the sport, school, and the athlete's talent. Unlike D1 schools, they may only provide partial scholarships.
• Some athletes can receive full scholarships, but they are generally rare and typically reserved for the most elite players in high-demand sports.

2. What Does a D2 Athletic Scholarship Cover?

Okay, so let’s talk about what a D2 scholarship actually covers. This is where things get a bit interesting. If you're imagining big paychecks or million-dollar deals like in pro sports, you're going to be disappointed. However, a D2 athletic scholarship can significantly offset college costs, but it won't pay for everything.

What’s included in a D2 scholarship?

• Tuition and fees: This is the core of most athletic scholarships. They help pay for your classes, textbooks, and some administrative fees.
• Room and board: Some D2 scholarships can cover housing and meals, though again, it’s typically a partial amount.
• Additional expenses: Some schools may help with travel expenses, but this is more common in high-profile sports like basketball or soccer.

I had a friend who played D2 basketball, and he mentioned how his scholarship covered his tuition, but he still had to work part-time during the school year to help cover his living expenses. It wasn't a walk in the park financially, but it was definitely a huge help compared to not having any scholarship at all.

3. The Realities of Earning Money as a D2 Athlete

Honestly, here’s where it gets a little tricky. D2 athletes can’t make money from their sport in the same way D1 athletes or professional athletes can. They aren’t allowed to accept sponsorships or sign lucrative endorsement deals (at least not until very recently). So, unlike D1 athletes who often have big name recognition, D2 athletes typically have to rely on academic scholarships, part-time jobs, and other sources of income outside of their sport.

How do D2 athletes make money?

• Part-time jobs: Many D2 athletes work to cover extra expenses, and some even get jobs on campus to offset living costs.
• Internships: Depending on your sport and schedule, internships in fields like marketing, communications, and business might be an option.
• Social media: While it’s still a gray area in terms of NCAA rules, some D2 athletes are starting to make money off their social media presence, especially if they have a following.

I remember a conversation with a fellow D2 athlete, Sarah, who ran track. She told me about how she had to balance training with her internship at a local company. It wasn't always easy, but it was necessary for her to make ends meet. This is a common reality for many D2 athletes.

4. The Future of D2 Athlete Compensation

There’s been a lot of buzz recently about how NCAA athletes—even those in Division II—might start seeing more opportunities to make money, especially with the new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules. This means that athletes can now be compensated for their personal brand, but it’s not guaranteed for every athlete.

NIL and D2 athletes: What’s changing?

• NIL rights allow athletes to profit off of sponsorships, social media, and even their personal brand, which could mean additional income.
• Some D2 athletes might start to see small sponsorships, depending on their popularity in their sport and the school’s marketability.

I think the introduction of NIL has been a game-changer. My friend, John, who plays D2 football, mentioned how he’s now looking into getting brand deals through his social media. This might not be huge compared to a pro athlete’s endorsement, but it’s something.

5. Conclusion: D2 Athletes and Financial Reality

In conclusion, D2 athletes don’t get the large sums of money that D1 athletes sometimes receive, but they still enjoy valuable financial support, especially in terms of tuition assistance and partial scholarships. They’re just not getting full rides or endorsements like their D1 counterparts. They do, however, have the opportunity to make money through NIL deals or by working part-time jobs, which is definitely something to look forward to.

If you're considering becoming a D2 athlete, don’t go in expecting to make a fortune. But, trust me, it’s still a huge opportunity that allows you to combine education and athletics, and maybe even make some extra cash on the side with NIL deals. So, in short: D2 athletes don’t make big money from their sport, but with the right mindset and hustle, you can definitely find ways to support yourself while pursuing your dreams.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.