NJIT Highlanders - Move To Division I

Move To Division I

NJIT athletics moved to the top level of college athletics-NCAA Division I, in 2006.

Prior to the entire reclassification of the athletics program, all programs competed in the Division II level. In the process of reclassification, both men’s and women’s soccer programs are taking the big leap into Division I faster than the other programs. They have a unique opportunity that allows lower division schools to elevate one sport in each gender to Division I in a process that takes two years to complete. NJIT men’s soccer became a full member of NCAA Division I at the start of the 2005 season, when the Highlanders arrived at championship eligibility. The men’s journey to the top level began in 2003. NJIT women’s soccer began a similar two-year process in 2005, with full Division I status and championship eligibility arriving with the 2007 season.

Advancing the entire program however takes four years to complete and the process includes application, a detailed strategic plan and in-depth annual review of the institution’s progress in moving toward its goal of complying with NCAA Division I rules and building a strong, broad-based athletics program.

Along the way, scholarship and operating budgets have been enhanced, with expanded coaching staffs, increased scholarship dollars and upgraded facilities for competition and practice.

NJIT athletics has officially gained across-the-board active membership in NCAA Division I, beginning September 1, 2009.