<p>I’ve heard that schools with D3 athletics have a lesser athletic feel to the campus. They don’t offer athletic scholarships, so the focus is more on academics (where it should be IMO). There are a lot of schools like this in Minnesota, like St. Scholastica to name one. There are probably at least a few in every state you listed. State schools probably will probably have more of a focus on athletics than you want, but look into each school separately and visit. </p>
<p>For the most part, small colleges and/or liberal arts colleges will have a lesser sports presence on campus.</p>