By: Katie Murphy
When you think about college lacrosse recruiting, you probably picture the most visible Division I programs: the schools on TV, the teams competing deep into the NCAA tournament, and the names players hear at club events and showcases.
But those programs represent only one part of the women’s college lacrosse landscape. Across the country, many smaller colleges offer excellent opportunities for student-athletes who want to keep playing competitive lacrosse while earning a strong college degree.
Consider Opportunities Beyond Division I
Some college lacrosse teams compete at the NCAA Division I level. Others are Division II, Division III, or NAIA programs. Some offer athletic scholarships. Some do not. Some are highly selective academically. Others may provide a better admissions fit, a stronger financial aid package, or a clearer path to playing time.
Smaller does not mean less competitive, less valuable, or less worth your attention. A smaller college may offer exactly what you’re looking for: a coach who knows you personally, a campus where you feel connected, a team where you can make an impact, and an academic environment that supports your long-term goals.
The list below is not meant to include every smaller college with a women’s lacrosse program. Instead, it is a starting point. These schools vary widely in academic profile, location, cost, roster needs, admissions standards, and athletic competitiveness. Use it to expand your thinking and discover schools you may not have considered.
NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Teams
Division I is not only large public universities and national TV programs. Some smaller private schools also compete at the DI level. Consider these examples:
- Butler University — Indiana
- Davidson College — North Carolina
- Fairfield University — Connecticut
- Furman University — South Carolina
- High Point University — North Carolina
- Iona University — New York
- Lehigh University — Pennsylvania
- Marist University — New York
- Mercer University — Georgia
- Mount St. Mary’s University — Maryland
- Quinnipiac University — Connecticut
- St. Bonaventure University — New York
- Stetson University — Florida
- Wofford College — South Carolina
NCAA Division II Women’s Lacrosse Teams
Division II can be a strong fit for players who want competitive lacrosse, possible athletic scholarship opportunities, and a more balanced college experience. See below:
- Adelphi University — New York
- Assumption University — Massachusetts
- Bentley University — Massachusetts
- Dominican University of New York — New York
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Florida
- Florida Southern College — Florida
- Lenoir-Rhyne University — North Carolina
- Mercy University — New York
- Rollins College — Florida
- Saint Leo University — Florida
- Seton Hill University — Pennsylvania
- University of Tampa — Florida
- Wingate University — North Carolina
NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Teams
Division III has the largest number of women’s lacrosse options and includes many small private liberal arts colleges. These programs do not offer athletic scholarships, but many schools provide strong academic, merit, and need-based aid. Consider these schools:
- Amherst College — Massachusetts
- Babson College — Massachusetts
- Bates College — Maine
- Bowdoin College — Maine
- Centre College — Kentucky
- Denison University — Ohio
- Dickinson College — Pennsylvania
- Franklin & Marshall College — Pennsylvania
- Gettysburg College — Pennsylvania
- Middlebury College — Vermont
- Rhodes College — Tennessee
- Sewanee: The University of the South — Tennessee
- Trinity College — Connecticut
- Washington and Lee University — Virginia
- Williams College — Massachusetts
NAIA Women’s Lacrosse Teams
Often overlooked, the NAIA can offer real opportunities for players who want smaller campuses, athletic scholarship possibilities, and a different recruiting path. The NAIA schools include:
- Ave Maria University — Florida
- Benedictine College — Kansas
- Bethel University — Indiana
- Georgetown College — Kentucky
- Indiana Tech — Indiana
- Keiser University — Florida
- Marian University — Indiana
- Reinhardt University — Georgia
- Savannah College of Art and Design — Georgia
- Siena Heights University — Michigan
- Tennessee Wesleyan University — Tennessee
- University of Saint Mary — Kansas
- Webber International University — Florida
How to Use This List
Don’t choose a school just because it has lacrosse. Ask better questions:
- Is the school a good academic fit?
- Would you be happy there if lacrosse ended tomorrow?
- Does the team’s level match your ability and goals?
- Does the coach recruit your position and graduation year?
- Can your family afford the school after scholarships and financial aid?
- Can you see yourself living on that campus for four years?
A smart recruiting list includes a mix of divisions, locations, academic profiles, and athletic levels.
Finding the Right School Fit
As you research these schools, remember that the “best” lacrosse opportunity is not always the biggest name or the highest division. The right fit is the school where you can grow as a player, succeed as a student, afford the experience, and genuinely see yourself living for four years.
There are an estimated 550 four-year institutions that offer women’s college lacrosse, with DIII having the broadest range of options. Before you cross a smaller college off your list, take the time to learn more.
Visit the team website. Watch game film. Look at the roster. Research the majors. Email the coach. Tour the campus if you can.
You may discover that a smaller college offers something incredibly valuable: a real opportunity to play, contribute, and thrive.