Many college students enjoy participating in intramural sports for the fun, competition, and camaraderie they offer. If you’re someone who loves to play team sports, but you don’t plan on playing at the varsity level, then choosing a college or university with a strong intramural sports program is something to consider.
Not all colleges offer intramural sports programs of the same caliber. With that in mind, we’ve researched and reviewed the best colleges for intramural sports so that you can hit the court when you aren’t hitting the books.
- St. John’s College
- Colorado College
- Kansas State University
- Millersville University
- Drew University
- University of Evansville
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Virginia
- University of Florida
- University of Arkansas
- University of Michigan
- Duke University
- Clemson University
- Ohio State University
- University of Texas
- University of North Carolina
- University of Connecticut
- University of California – Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of Maryland
Why This Matters
Intramural sports teams differ from intercollegiate teams who compete against other schools at the same level. Intramural competitions take place between teams at the same college or university. All skill levels can participate, and although there is a winner and loser at the end of each game, the focus is on fun over ferocity.
Intramural sports vary from school to school, but you can usually find activities like volleyball, soccer, flag football, and softball on the menu. Games take place once or twice a week, and teams may or may not have regular practice sessions.
Aside from keeping you physically active, intramural sports can give you a break from studying and improve your mental health. Intramurals are also an excellent way to meet other students with shared interests and expand your social circle.
If intramurals interest you, then it’s important to think about what sports you want to play and how involved you want to be as you research college intramural programs.
Our Ranking Criteria
To come up with this list of the best colleges for intramural sports, we looked at over 120 colleges and universities around the U.S. and narrowed them down to this list of 20. We relied on information provided on each school’s website. The main criteria we considered include the range of intramural activities offered as well as an ongoing schedule of intramural events.
The 20 Best Colleges for Intramural Sports
St. John’s College
St. John’s College, which has campuses in New Mexico and Maryland, makes no secret of the fact that it’s “not a school full of football fanatics or strenuous athletes.” Still, over 50 percent of students take part in intramural sports, and even parents and siblings can join a league. You’ll be placed on one of five teams and can choose from sports such as soccer, basketball, sailing, fencing, and Ultimate Frisbee. There’s also a little-known sport called “Athenian reasonball,” which is St. John’s spin on flag football.
- Location: Annapolis, MD; Santa Fe, NM
- Intelligent Score: 99.74
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: $35,000 per year; Graduate: $9,558 – $19,116 per semester
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 363
Colorado College
Like everything else at Colorado College, the intramural sports department is lively and fun. The exact sports offered vary depending on what the campus is interested in at the time, but options include golf, soccer, softball, lawn volleyball, ping pong, and even innertube water polo. Students form their own team or “roster” to register for a sport, and the schedule follows the school’s unique block system for academics.
- Location: Colorado Springs, CO
- Intelligent Score: 97.01
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: $61,596 per year; Graduate: $3,900 – $4,000 per term
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 2,270
Kansas State University
Kansas State University has several different intramural sports divisions, with thousands of students participating each year. Teams are usually formed through a residence hall, fraternity, or sorority, and co-rec teams are open to staff, faculty, and spouses. Available sports include sand volleyball, flag football, racquetball, and tennis. There is a fee of $25 per team, or $1 per participant for individual sports. For some sports, opponents must contact each other to schedule a time and place to compete.
- Location: Manhattan, KS
- Intelligent Score: 96.64
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: Resident: $9,375 per year; Non-Resident: $25,251 per year; Graduate: Resident: $11,856 per year; Non-Resident: $21,524 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 17,070
Millersville University
Millersville University’s intramural activities range from one-day tournaments to ongoing competitions. Teams are open to students, staff, and faculty, and players can register as a “free agent” if they don’t already have a team. They also offer intramural esports such as League of Legends, which is open to the university community and immediate family members ages 13 and up. Players of any sport can use the Ville Rec app to register on a team and view the intramural calendar.
- Location: Millersville, PA
- Intelligent Score: 96.32
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: Resident: $11,772 per year; Non-Resident: $21,492 per year; Graduate: Resident: $11,729 per year; Non-Resident: $16,517 per year
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Student Enrollment: 5,788
Drew University
Drew University’s intramural program has 14 sports and activities, including capture the flag, bubble ball, pub trivia, and Quidditch. The school places a strong focus on student wellness, including physical, emotional, and community well-being, so players can take part in fitness classes and nutrition consultations in addition to intramural competitions. Players can use an online portal to find existing teams and view the schedule.
- Location: Madison, NJ
- Intelligent Score: 93.85
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: $39,828 per year; Graduate: $22,914 per year
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Student Enrollment: 1,911
University of Evansville
The intramural sports program at the University of Evansville in Indiana offers plenty of ways to participate, from team competitions to supervision and administration. Over 75 percent of students are involved in some way, with sports ranging from flag football to basketball. Participants can join a team or create one, using the IMLeagues portal to manage their enrollment and keep track of playoff brackets.
- Location: Evansville, IN
- Intelligent Score: 92.9
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: $38,600 per year; Graduate: $503 – $603 per credit
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 1,716
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame has several options for participating in intramural sports, including interhall sports, in which teams compete for the Kelly and O’Leary Cups. To start a team, players distribute flyers and sign-up sheets, then enroll using the IMLeagues app before the registration deadline. Team captains must attend regular meetings to schedule games, report scores, and ensure player eligibility.
- Location: Notre Dame, IN
- Intelligent Score: 92.46
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: $58,843 per year
Graduate: $58,190 per year - Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 12,323
University of Virginia
Intramural sports at the University of Virginia include cornhole, kickball, spikeball, and volleyball. Participants can use the Fusion IM platform to create a team, invite players, manage the team roster, and participate in the playoff draft. Players can choose from the fraternity league (for full-time students) and Co-Rec league (open to faculty, staff, spouses, and students), or register as a free agent. There’s also a list for people who want to play social racquet sports with other players at the same experience level.
- Location: Charlottesville, VA
- Intelligent Score: 92.36
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: Resident: $14,188 – $24,796 per year; Non-Resident: $48,036 – $59,040 per year; Graduate: Resident: $18,346 per year; Non-Resident: $30,926 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 16,312
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers softball, dodgeball, flag football, pickleball, and more. With the “Rover Rule,” there’s no limit on how many teams you can join once you’ve added yourself to the “home team” roster. Play is open to enrolled students, faculty, staff, and their spouses, and may require a RecSports membership. Teams with a record of .500 or higher can participate in Fall and Spring semester playoffs.
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Intelligent Score: 91.95
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: In-State: $6,380 per year; Out-of-State: $22,278 per year; Graduate: In-State: $12,740 per year; Out-of-State: $17,394 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 44,559
University of Arkansas
Over 3,000 students participate in intramural sports at the University of Arkansas every year, with 30 sports and activities to choose from. You’ll find individual, team, and dual sports including flag football, soccer, softball, track, and disc golf. Players can view the calendar and register online, and can join up to one Co-Rec team and one single-gender team per sport. Facilities include a 225,000-square-foot recreation building and a nine-acre sports complex.
- Location: Fayetteville, AR
- Intelligent Score: 91.43
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: Resident: $7,568 per year; Non-Resident: $24,056 per year; Graduate: Resident: $10,336 – $14,650 per year; Non-Resident: $28,042 – $38,248 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 22,344
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor offers dozens of intramural sports, including badminton, basketball golf, human foosball, and mini-golf. They also have an esports program featuring FIFA, Madden, Fortnite, and Call of Duty. Most leagues are “open” leagues that don’t have any gender restrictions, but are organized by level, such as recreational/beginner and competitive/advanced. A RecSports membership isn’t required, but a season pass will get you access to all recreational facilities.
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Intelligent Score: 91.4
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: In-State: $15,948.38 per year; Out-of-State: $52,266.38 per year
Graduate: In-State: $24,772.38 per year; Out-of-State: $49,548.38 per year - Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 40,995
Duke University
Duke University’s intramural sports program is open to all participants with a valid Duke ID Card, and there is no additional recreational fee to play. Students can join an existing team or play as free agents, but must be added to the roster by 4pm each day in order to play. Teams can choose their own names, logos, and uniforms, and get “pinnies” to identify themselves on the field. Leagues are ranked by skill level, including A-League (competitive), B-League (intermediate), and recreational/beginner.
- Location: Durham, NC
- Intelligent Score: 90.53
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: $57,934 per year
Graduate: $61,900 per year - Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 14,967
Clemson University
Clemson University offers popular intramural sports like basketball, dodgeball, and flag football, as well as some less common activities like Battleship and cornhole. Each sport has its own schedule and registration process, ranging from one-week tournaments to a full 5-week season and playoffs. Most students, faculty, and staff can participate with a Campus Recreation membership, but intramural teams can have no more than two members who are already participating in Club Sports.
- Location: Clemson, SC
- Intelligent Score: 90.23
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: Resident: $14,118 per year; Non-Resident: $37,110 per year; Graduate: Resident: $12,450 per year; Non-Resident: $26,850 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 24,324
Ohio State University
Ohio State’s intramural program differs between the spring and fall terms, with softball, flag football, and volleyball offered in the fall, and additional sports like badminton and wiffleball offered in the spring. Intramural sports are open to players of all skill levels, with additional fitness programs and recreational events available as well. The swimming pool is free for all students, while ice skating costs $2 per visit.
- Location: Wooster, OH
- Intelligent Score: 89.54
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: Resident: $11,518 per year; Non-Resident: $33,502 per year; Graduate: Resident: $12,424 per year; Non-Resident: $38,376 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 53,025
University of Texas
UT-Austin offers a wide range of intramural sports, including leagues for tennis, soccer tennis, and sand volleyball, as well as special events like foot golf doubles. UT students, faculty, and staff can participate at one of three competition levels, from highly skilled to fun/recreational. All teams must have a captain and pay a registration fee. Players can join up to one team per division, or register as free agents without joining a team.
- Location: Austin, TX
- Intelligent Score: 89.3
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: Resident: $10,858 – $13,576 per year; Non-Resident: $38,650 – $46,498 per year; Graduate: Resident: $8,684 – $10,848 per year; Non-Resident: $17,312 – $19,786 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 47,021
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill has a strong intramural sports program with activities like sand volleyball, pickleball, and spikeball on the calendar. The school also facilitates challenges via its Strava Club, an app that tracks exercise routines with GPS. You can participate in biking, walking, running, and swimming activities, with the option to share photos and compete with other students for weekly prizes.
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC
- Intelligent Score: 89.3
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: In-State: $7,020 per year; Out-of-State: $34,804 per year; Graduate: In-State: $5,276 – $24,025 per semester; Out-of-State: $14,139 – $31,587 per semester
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 28,021
University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut hosts several popular intramural tournaments, including curling, cornhole, disc golf, and mini golf. They also have tournaments for football and basketball that focus on specific skills like free throws, punts, passes, and field goals. Students at the Storrs campus can participate in any sport, but varsity team members can’t compete in any sports related to their own. Faculty, staff, and students at other campuses are also eligible to play after paying a recreation fee.
- Location: Storrs, CT
- Intelligent Score: 85.99
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: In-State: $14,406 per year; Out-of-State: $37,074 per year; Graduate: In-State: $16,908 per year; Out-of-State: $38,820 per year
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Student Enrollment: 23,988
University of California – Los Angeles
Intramural sports at UCLA are offered on a quarterly basis, with sports such as kickball, softball, and Ultimate Frisbee available to students and other community members. Up to 7,000 participants play each year, and a membership will give you access to several recreational facilities and as many sports as you want to play. UCLA also participates in the Unified Sports program alongside Special Olympics Southern CA, in which teams are formed to include players with intellectual disabilities.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Intelligent Score: 85.56
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: Resident: $13,239 per year; Non-Resident: $29,754 per year; Graduate: Resident: $11,442 per year; Non-Resident: $15,102 per year
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Student Enrollment: 44,234
University of Southern California
Intramurals at USC vary by season, with summer sports including 3-on-3 basketball and soccer, and other sports available throughout the year. Students, faculty, and staff can participate in single-day tournaments, six-week leagues, and other recreational activities at multiple experience levels. An intramural pass costs $10, and there is no limit on the number of sports that you can play during the semester. Students can also apply to become referees to gain work experience.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Intelligent Score: 84.66
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: $60,446 per year; Graduate: $59,260 per year
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 41,497
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland’s RecWell program offers multiple ways to get involved in intramural sports, including competitive and recreational leagues, tournaments, and “Fun Fridays.” Team sports include soccer, basketball, volleyball, and flag football, and take the form of a three-week season and a playoff. Students can form their own team or play as a free agent. Some leagues are open to staff members and alumni.
- Location: College Park, MD
- Intelligent Score: 84.00
- Average Tuition: Undergraduate: Resident: $10,954 per year; Non-Resident: $38,636 per year; Graduate: Resident: $11,068 per year; Non-Resident: $23,584 per year
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Student Enrollment: 28,160
What Are the Benefits of Intramural Sports?
One of the primary benefits of intramural sports is their inclusivity. Because they’re open to players of all skill levels, students who wouldn’t be able to play at the intercollegiate level due to physical ability or time constraints can still join a team and enjoy the experience of playing a sport. Here are some of the other ways that intramural sports can benefit students:
- Physical health. Participating in intramural sports keeps your body moving and can help you maintain your physical well-being throughout the school year.
- Mental health. College can be a stressful experience, and joining an intramural sports team can help you give your mind a break and relieve some stress. Some students have a hard time putting their books away, so having a game or practice session to attend can provide a much-needed break from coursework.
- Expanded social circle. Intramural sports can be a great way to meet people and grow your social circle outside of the classroom.
- Leadership opportunities. Intramural sports programs allow students to build communication and leadership skills as they form their own teams and petition for new leagues. You may even get the opportunity to be a team captain!
Who Should Play Intramural Sports at College?
Nearly anyone can consider playing intramural sports in college. Most intramural sports leagues are open to students, staff, and faculty. Participants usually need to attend the school, but this can include both full-time and part-time students. Some intramural sports programs require a recreational fee to participate.
Since intramural programs focus on fun and participation rather than on competition, most teams allow players of all skill and experience levels to join. In contrast, intercollegiate teams can be incredibly selective and require a higher level of commitment to the sport. Many colleges offer accessible activities and facilities to accommodate all types of participants.
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