Decisions, Decisions: Analyzing College Choice Amongst NCAA Division II Transfer and Non-Transfer Athletes

AbstractMany pundits and fans within college sport have exhausted an inordinate amount of time analyzing the impact of recruiting in intercollegiate athletics amidst recent regulatory changes within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The most recent changes to Division I transfer regulations have introduced a level of uncertainty about the future of college athletics. While these changes may garner significant attention for Division I revenue sport programs, recruiting plays a critical role in across all levels of competition (Nixon, et al., 2021). Yet, scant research has been conducted to determine which factors are most influential in an NCAA Division II athlete’s decision to attend an institution, including those engaging in the transfer process. Therefore, a closer examination of the college choice factors of Division II transfer and non-transfer athletes is warranted. Using descriptive statistics, results suggested that academic factors were most important to Division II athletes in making their college choice decisions. T-test results indicated significant differences in the influence of specific college choice items for transfers and non-transfers, most notably athletic facilities and outside influences. This study was designed to assist college athletes, coaches, and administrators at Division II institutions to better understand the areas that significantly influence a college athlete's decision to attend a particular institution, while also expanding the breadth of college choice research.