Many college students enjoy participating in intramural sports for the fun, competition, and camaraderie they offer. If you love to play team sports but 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.
Why This Matters
Intramural sports teams differ from intercollegiate teams, which 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 occur 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, it’s important to consider 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 11. 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 11 Best Colleges for Intramural Sports
1. Gettysburg College
Gettysburg College offers a comprehensive intramural sports program featuring basketball, soccer, volleyball, and pickleball activities. Students can register through the IMLeagues platform using their college credentials. The program accommodates various skill levels, ensuring inclusivity for all participants. With a strong emphasis on community and active engagement, Gettysburg’s intramurals enhance campus life and promote student well-being.
- Location: Gettysburg, PA
- Intelligent Score: 99.76
- Average Tuition: $2,150 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Student Enrollment: 2,241
2. St. John’s College
St. John’s College, which has campuses in New Mexico and Maryland, makes no secret that it’s “not a school full of football fanatics or strenuous athletes.” Still, over 50 percent of students participate 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: 98.54
- Average Tuition: $1,195 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Student Enrollment: 364 (New Mexico), 462 (Maryland)
3. The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is known for its extensive intramural sports program, offering students traditional options like flag football, basketball, and soccer and unique activities like Battleship in the pool, where teams work to “sink” each other’s canoes. With a strong culture of school spirit, Alabama’s intramurals provide both recreational and competitive leagues, allowing students to stay active and engaged in a fun, community-driven environment.
- Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
- Intelligent Score: 98.42
- Average Tuition: Resident: $465 per credit hour; non-resident: $1,470 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 32,458
4. 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 of people who want to play social racquet sports with other players at the same level of experience.
- Location: Charlottesville, VA
- Intelligent Score: 97.33
- Average Tuition: $526-$917 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 17,444
5. Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University (TCU) offers an engaging intramural sports program that supports both competitive and recreational play. Popular sports include flag football, volleyball, and basketball, with unique options like inner-tube water polo and dodgeball tournaments. TCU’s commitment to wellness and social engagement is reflected in various leagues and events catering to all skill levels. Located in Fort Worth, TCU’s active campus life allows students to enjoy a balanced college experience filled with athletic and social activities.
- Location: Fort Worth, TX
- Intelligent Score: 94.96
- Average Tuition: $1,605 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 10,523
6. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona (UA) offers a vibrant intramural sports program that includes many activities, from traditional sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball to unusual offerings like bubble soccer and sand volleyball. With flexible leagues for different skill levels, UA’s program promotes student fitness and community engagement. The university also benefits from a sunny climate, making outdoor sports a year-round option.
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Intelligent Score: 94.63
- Average Tuition: Resident: $507 per credit hour; Non-resident: $1,689 per credit hour
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Student Enrollment: 38,751
7. The University of the South
The University of the South, also known as Sewanee, offers a vibrant intramural program that includes popular sports like basketball, flag football, dodgeball, and indoor soccer. With over 800 participants each year, Sewanee’s intramurals foster community involvement across campus. The university’s unique 13,000-acre setting, known as the “Domain,” also provides students with outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, biking, and trail running.
- Location: Sewanee, TN
- Intelligent Score: 92.88
- Average Tuition: $750 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 1,613
8. Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University offers a dynamic intramural sports program with over 28 activities, including soccer, flag football, volleyball, and dodgeball. Students can register through IMLeagues using their Gonzaga credentials. The program accommodates various skill levels, from recreational to competitive. With more than 2,900 participants annually, Gonzaga’s intramurals foster community and active engagement among students.
- Location: Spokane, WA
- Intelligent Score: 92.25
- Average Tuition: $1,815 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Student Enrollment: 5,084
9. Elon University
Elon University offers a dynamic intramural sports program featuring more than 18 activities, including flag football, sand volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. Students can register through the Fusion Play platform using their Elon credentials. The program accommodates various skill levels, from beginners to experts. With a strong emphasis on community and active engagement, Elon’s intramurals enhance campus life and promote student well-being.
- Location: Elon, NC
- Intelligent Score: 92.25
- Average Tuition: $1,479 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 6,337
10. Taylor University
Taylor University offers a well-rounded intramural sports program featuring unusual activities like glow pickleball, ultimate frisbee, and spikeball alongside traditional options like basketball and soccer. Known for its close-knit Christian community, Taylor promotes camaraderie and personal growth through recreational sports. Intramurals here provide students with a fun, faith-centered way to stay active, fostering both wellness and a strong community spirit.
- Location: Upland, IN
- Intelligent Score: 90.83
- Average Tuition: $1,106-1,645 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 2,188
12. Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis offers a comprehensive intramural sports program featuring basketball, soccer, volleyball, and unique options like inner tube water polo. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni with a Sumers Recreation Center membership can register through the university’s online portal using their WashU credentials. The program accommodates various skill levels. With a strong emphasis on community and active engagement, WashU’s intramurals enhance campus life and promote student well-being.
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Intelligent Score: 90.03
- Average Tuition: $1,791-2,687 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 8,132
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 couldn’t 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 difficulty 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 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 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.
Interested in a degree instead?
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