List of schools reclassifying their athletic programs to NCAA Division I
The following is a list of United States colleges and universities that are either in the process of reclassifying their athletic programs to NCAA Division I, or have announced future plans to do the same.
Currently reclassifying
This is limited to schools that have begun the formal Division I reclassification process.| Institution | Athletics | Previous Division II conference | Current Division I conference | Start Year | Active | Notes |
| California Baptist University | Lancers | Pacific West Conference | Western Athletic Conference | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | |
| Lions | Gulf South Conference | ASUN Conference Football: Big South Conference | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | ||
| Merrimack College | Warriors | Northeast-10 Conference | Northeast Conference | 2019–20 | 2023–24 | |
| Bellarmine University | Knights | Great Lakes Valley Conference | ASUN Conference | 2020–21 | 2024–25 | |
| Dixie State University | Trailblazers | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | WAC Football: FCS independent | 2020–21 | 2024–25 | |
| Tarleton State University | Texans | Lone Star Conference | WAC Football: FCS independent | 2020-21 | 2024-25 | |
| Tritons | California Collegiate Athletic Association | Big West Conference | 2020–21 | 2024–25 |
Future reclassifications
This is limited to schools that have officially announced plans to reclassify to Division I, but have not yet begun their transitions. Note that the standard transition period for schools moving from NCAA Division I to Division II is two years, as opposed to the four years required for the reverse move.| Institution | Athletics | Current Division III Conference | Future Division I Conference | Start Year | Active | Notes |
| University of St. Thomas | Tommies | Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | Summit League Football: Pioneer Football League Ice hockey: TBD | 2021-22 | TBA | On July 15, 2020, St. Thomas received approval from the NCAA to move directly from Division III to Division I. |