Barry PhilipsFinding the right college can be challenging, especially for student-athletes who want to continue playing competitive sports while earning a college degree. NCAA Division III schools are particularly attractive to students who want to balance athletics, academics, campus involvement and career preparation.
Texas has a strong Division III athletic tradition, with schools competing in conferences such as the American Southwest Conference, Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and Southern Athletic Association. However, the Texas Division III landscape has changed considerably in recent years. Some institutions that previously competed in Division III have moved to Division II.
The NCAA Division III model does not provide athletic scholarships. Instead, student-athletes may receive academic scholarships, need-based financial aid, grants and other institutional assistance. Division III schools also establish their own admissions standards, meaning requirements can vary significantly from one institution to another.
Below are schools with current or recent Division III connections to Texas, followed by their general admission and student-athlete requirements..
D3 Schools in Texas
1. Trinity University
Trinity University in San Antonio is one of the most prominent Division III institutions in Texas. Its athletics program competes in NCAA Division III, and the university offers a broad selection of undergraduate programs.
General requirements: Applicants normally need a completed secondary-school education, strong academic preparation, transcripts and the materials required by the university. Student-athletes should also communicate directly with the relevant coach about recruitment.
Trinity’s location in San Antonio gives students access to a large metropolitan environment while maintaining a relatively traditional university campus experience.
2. Southwestern University
Southwestern University is a private liberal arts institution in Georgetown, Texas. Its athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division III level.
The university has historically been associated with the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, although its athletic conference arrangements have changed in recent years. Southwestern announced that it will return to the SCAC beginning in the 2027–28 academic year after competing in the Southern Athletic Association during 2026–27.
General requirements: Applicants should submit academic records and meet the university’s undergraduate admission requirements. Student-athletes should also contact coaches with athletic information and recruitment materials.
3. Austin College
Austin College is a private liberal arts college located in Sherman, Texas. It has a long history of NCAA Division III athletics.
The school offers undergraduate programs across the liberal arts, sciences and professional fields.
General requirements: Prospective students generally need a high school diploma, academic transcripts and the university’s required application materials. International applicants may also need evidence of English-language proficiency and financial documentation.
4. University of Dallas
The University of Dallas is a private university located in Irving, Texas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Its athletics program is an active NCAA Division III member and competes in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
General requirements: Students normally need a completed secondary education and must submit academic records and other application materials. Because the University of Dallas has its own admissions standards, applicants should assess their academic profile against the university’s requirements.
5. University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is located in Houston, Texas, and participates in NCAA Division III athletics.
The university provides students with access to a large metropolitan environment and a variety of academic programs.
General requirements: Applicants generally need secondary-school credentials, transcripts and the institution’s required application materials. International applicants should also prepare English-proficiency documentation where required.
6. Texas Lutheran University
Texas Lutheran University is located in Seguin, Texas, between San Antonio and Austin. It is an NCAA Division III institution and competes in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
The university offers programs in areas including business, education, science, nursing and the liberal arts.
General requirements: Applicants should provide academic transcripts and satisfy the university’s undergraduate admission requirements. Student-athletes should contact coaches separately about recruitment opportunities.
7. Concordia University Texas
Concordia University Texas is located in Austin and has participated in NCAA Division III athletics.
The institution provides undergraduate programs in fields including business, education, nursing, science and other disciplines.
General requirements: Students typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must provide academic records and application materials. Athletic recruitment is handled separately from general university admission.
8. LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University is a private Christian university located in Longview, Texas. It participates in NCAA Division III athletics and has a broad selection of academic programs.
Its programs include engineering, aviation, business, nursing, education and technology-related fields.
General requirements: Prospective students should submit their high school transcripts and meet the university’s undergraduate admission standards. Student-athletes should also communicate with coaches regarding athletic recruitment.
9. Schreiner University
Schreiner University is located in Kerrville, Texas. It has a long-standing Division III athletic tradition.
For the 2026–27 academic year, Schreiner rejoined the American Southwest Conference.
General requirements: Students generally need a completed secondary education, transcripts and the institution’s application materials. International applicants may have additional English proficiency and financial requirements.
10. East Texas Baptist University
East Texas Baptist University is located in Marshall, Texas. It is an NCAA Division III institution and a member of the American Southwest Conference.
The university combines undergraduate education with a Christian campus environment.
General requirements: Applicants typically need a high school diploma, official transcripts and the university’s application materials. Athletic applicants should contact the appropriate coaching staff.
11. Hardin-Simmons University
Hardin-Simmons University is a private university in Abilene, Texas. Its athletics program competes in NCAA Division III.
The university offers programs across areas including business, education, health sciences and the liberal arts.
General requirements: Applicants should provide academic transcripts and satisfy the institution’s admission standards. Student-athletes should also submit athletic information to coaches when seeking recruitment.
12. Howard Payne University
Howard Payne University is located in Brownwood, Texas, and participates in NCAA Division III athletics.
The university offers undergraduate programs across several academic disciplines.
General requirements: Applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts and the university’s application materials. Athletic recruitment requirements depend on the sport.
13. McMurry University
McMurry University is located in Abilene, Texas. It participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is part of the changing Texas Division III conference landscape.
McMurry returned to the American Southwest Conference beginning with the 2026–27 academic year.
General requirements: Applicants need to meet the university’s academic admission requirements and submit the necessary records. Student-athletes should also communicate with coaches about recruitment.
14. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is located in Belton, Texas. It is an NCAA Division III institution and a member of the American Southwest Conference.
The university offers a broad range of undergraduate programs and has an established intercollegiate athletics program.
General requirements: Prospective students generally need a high school diploma, academic transcripts and other required application documents. Athletic recruitment is evaluated separately by individual sports programs.
15. University of Texas at Dallas — Recent D3 Program
The University of Texas at Dallas previously competed in NCAA Division III and was historically one of the state’s larger D3 institutions.
However, UT Dallas is no longer a current Division III school. It became an NCAA Division II institution in September 2026 after completing the transition process.
This distinction is important for students searching for current D3 opportunities.
What Is NCAA Division III?
NCAA Division III is the largest NCAA division, with more than 400 colleges and universities. The division emphasizes academics, athletics and the overall college experience rather than making athletics the primary focus of a student’s college career.
One of the biggest differences between Division III and Divisions I and II is athletic scholarships. Division III institutions do not award athletic scholarships. However, student-athletes can still receive financial assistance based on academic performance, financial need and other factors.
For international student-athletes, NCAA Eligibility Center certification is particularly important before competing at a Division III institution.
General Requirements for D3 Schools in Texas
Although every college has its own admission requirements, prospective Division III student-athletes generally need:
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Competitive academic grades.
- Official high school transcripts.
- Required standardized test scores where applicable.
- An application and application fee where applicable.
- Letters of recommendation for some programs.
- A personal statement or essay for some institutions.
- Proof of English proficiency for many international applicants.
- Financial documentation for international students requiring an F-1 visa.
- NCAA Eligibility Center registration and certification where required.
- Appropriate athletic records, statistics, film or references when contacting coaches.
Division III schools set their own academic admission standards. Therefore, there is no single GPA or test-score requirement that applies to every D3 school
Academic Requirements for International Students
International students interested in Texas Division III schools may have additional requirements beyond those required of domestic applicants.
These can include:
- Secondary-school transcripts.
- Credential evaluation where requested.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Passport information.
- Proof of financial support.
- Immigration documentation.
- Student visa documentation.
- NCAA Eligibility Center certification.
International Division III student-athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center for athletics certification before competing.
International applicants should also begin the process early because academic-document verification, admission and immigration procedures can take additional time.
Athletic Requirements for D3 Student-Athletes
Being admitted to a Division III college does not automatically guarantee a place on the athletic team.
Coaches typically evaluate factors such as:
- Athletic ability.
- Competition history.
- Statistics.
- Position or event.
- Athletic video.
- Tournament or championship experience.
- Coach recommendations.
- Academic performance.
- Overall fit with the team.
A prospective student-athlete should therefore contact coaches early and provide a concise athletic profile.
For sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball and track and field, an athletic résumé and competition video can be useful recruitment materials.
Does Division III Offer Athletic Scholarships?
No. NCAA Division III schools do not provide athletic scholarships.
However, this does not mean Division III student-athletes cannot receive financial aid.
Students may qualify for:
- Academic scholarships.
- Need-based financial aid.
- Institutional grants.
- External scholarships.
- State or federal financial assistance where eligible.
The NCAA specifically notes that many Division III student-athletes receive merit-based or need-based financial aid.
This makes it important to discuss the complete financial-aid package with the college rather than looking only for athletic scholarships.
NCAA Eligibility Requirements
NCAA Division III schools establish their own admissions and academic standards, unlike Division I and II institutions, which operate under different NCAA academic eligibility frameworks.
Incoming Division III student-athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. International student-athletes require athletics eligibility certification before competing.
Once enrolled, Division III athletes must maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory progress toward their degree.
Student-athletes generally must also maintain full-time enrollment. NCAA Division III requires athletes to be enrolled in at least 12 semester or quarter hours to compete.
Comparison Table of D3 Schools in Texas
| School | Location | Current D3 Status | Conference/Recent Status | General Admission Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity University | San Antonio | Yes | SAA | Strong academic preparation |
| Southwestern University | Georgetown | Yes | SAA; returning to SCAC in 2027 | Transcript and application materials |
| Austin College | Sherman | Yes | SCAC | High school completion and transcripts |
| University of Dallas | Irving | Yes | SCAC | Academic records and application |
| University of St. Thomas | Houston | Yes | SCAC | Transcript and admission requirements |
| Texas Lutheran University | Seguin | Yes | SCAC | Academic records and application |
| Concordia University Texas | Austin | Yes | SCAC | Transcript and application |
| LeTourneau University | Longview | Yes | SCAC | Academic preparation and application |
| Schreiner University | Kerrville | Yes | ASC | Transcript and admission materials |
| East Texas Baptist University | Marshall | Yes | ASC | High school credentials |
| Hardin-Simmons University | Abilene | Yes | ASC | Academic records |
| Howard Payne University | Brownwood | Yes | ASC | High school diploma/transcript |
| McMurry University | Abilene | Yes | ASC | Academic and athletic profile |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton | Yes | ASC | Academic credentials |
| UT Dallas | Richardson | No — moved to DII | Lone Star Conference | Current DII requirements |
| Sul Ross State | Alpine | No — moved to DII | Lone Star Conference | Current DII requirements |
| UT Tyler | Tyler | No — former D3 | Division II | Current DII requirements |
| Trinity University | San Antonio | Yes | SAA | Athletic recruitment + admission |
| Southwestern University | Georgetown | Yes | SAA | Athletic recruitment + admission |
| Texas Lutheran University | Seguin | Yes | SCAC | Athletic recruitment + admission |
How to Choose a D3 School in Texas
Choosing a Division III college should involve more than looking at the school’s athletic reputation.
Consider the following:
Academic Programs
Make sure the institution offers your intended major or a strong alternative. Your degree remains an important part of the college experience.
Athletic Opportunity
Research the specific sport rather than looking only at the overall athletics department. A school may have a strong program in one sport but a different competitive environment in another.
Financial Aid
Since Division III schools do not provide athletic scholarships, investigate academic and need-based financial aid opportunities.
Location
Consider whether you prefer a major city such as Houston, Dallas or San Antonio or a smaller college town such as Sherman, Kerrville or Seguin.
Coach Communication
Contact coaches directly. Ask about roster needs, recruiting timelines, academic expectations and the process for joining the team.
Current NCAA Status
Always confirm a school’s current division before applying. This is particularly important in Texas because UT Dallas and Sul Ross State moved from Division III to Division II in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best D3 school in Texas?
There is no single best school for every student-athlete. The appropriate choice depends on academic interests, sport, finances, location, admissions profile and personal preferences.
How many current D3 schools are in Texas?
Texas currently has fewer than 20 active NCAA Division III institutions. Some older online lists show more because they include schools such as UT Dallas and Sul Ross State, which transitioned to Division II in 2026.
Can international students attend D3 schools in Texas?
Yes. International students can apply to Division III institutions, although they must satisfy the individual university’s admission requirements and, for athletics, NCAA Eligibility Center requirements.
Do D3 schools give athletic scholarships?
No. NCAA Division III schools do not award athletic scholarships. However, students can potentially receive academic, need-based or other forms of financial aid.
What GPA do you need for a D3 school?
There is no universal Division III GPA requirement. Each institution establishes its own admissions standards. Students should therefore check the specific school’s admission criteria.
Do D3 athletes have to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center?
Incoming Division III student-athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. International student-athletes need athletics eligibility certification before competing.
Can D3 athletes go professional?
Yes. Division III athletes can pursue professional sports opportunities after college. Division III simply represents the NCAA’s non-athletic-scholarship collegiate athletics model; it does not prevent athletes from developing professional careers.
Related
Conclusion
Texas has a significant NCAA Division III tradition, with institutions ranging from liberal arts colleges to Christian universities and larger private institutions. Current D3 options include Trinity University, Southwestern University, Austin College, University of Dallas, University of St. Thomas, Texas Lutheran University, Concordia University Texas, LeTourneau University, Schreiner University and several American Southwest Conference institutions.
For prospective student-athletes, the most important steps are to identify schools that offer the desired academic program, contact the appropriate coach, review admissions requirements, investigate financial aid and complete the appropriate NCAA eligibility process.
The right Texas Division III college is ultimately the one that provides a suitable combination of academics, athletics, affordability, campus environment and long-term career opportunities.