NCAA Division I represents the pinnacle of intercollegiate athletics in the United States, distinguished by its large budgets, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive athletic scholarship offerings. Established in 1973 when the former "University Division" was numerically categorized, it encompasses 357 institutions committed to the highest level of competition. For college football, Division I is uniquely divided into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), known for its marquee postseason bowl games, and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), which crowns its national champion through a bracket tournament.
Financially, Division I is a vast operation, generating $8.7 billion in revenue during the 2009–10 academic year, with football and men's basketball often being the sole profitable "revenue sports." A significant development for student-athletes occurred in April 2014, when the NCAA approved unlimited free meals and snacks, addressing nutritional needs without jeopardizing financial aid.