The Inside Scoop on the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association

Throughout the season, the rodeo competitions are split into regions. The universities and colleges each have a region in which they compete against each other. There are 11 regions across the country where fast times, high scores, and tough competitors can be found. 

Big Sky Region

Up North, in the Treasure State of Montana, you will find the Big Sky Region. Though the winter is filled with lots of snow and freezing temps, the fall and spring are filled with rodeo action. There are eight colleges or universities that compete within the Big Sky Region of the NIRA. 

• Montana State University
• Dawson Community College
• Miles Community College
• Montana State University-Northern
• Northwest College
• University of Montana
• University of Providence
• University of Montana Western 

Central Plains Region

Along Route 66 and through the Sunflower state lies the Central Plains Region. In Oklahoma and Kansas, there are 17 colleges or universities within the region. 

• Oklahoma State University 
• Kansas State University
• Dodge City Community College
• Murray State College
• Coffeyville Community College
• Connors State College
• Colby Community College
• Southwestern Oklahoma State University
• Fort Hays State University 
• Fort Scott Community College
• Oklahoma Panhandle State University
• Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
• Western Oklahoma State College
• Garden City Community College
• Northwestern Oklahoma State University
• Pratt Community College
• Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Central Rocky Mountain Region

Wyoming and Eastern Colorado join together to form the Central Rocky Mountain Region. This region also hosts top competitors from all other regions to the College National Finals Rodeo. Within the Central Rocky Mountain Region, there are 12 competing colleges or universities. 

• University of Wyoming 
• Colorado State University
• Central Wyoming College
• Casper College
• Eastern Wyoming College
• Laramie County Community College
• Otero Junior College
• Gillette College
• Chadron State College 
• Lamar Community College
• Northeastern Junior College
• Sheridan College 

Grand Canyon Region

You'll find many rodeo competitors spending their winters in the Arizona and New Mexico areas, where the temperatures stay warm, and the rodeo opportunities are endless. Some students decide to spend year-round in the Grand Canyon Region, which consists of Arizona and some New Mexico schools as well. In total, seven colleges or universities are part of this region. 

• University of Arizona
• New Mexico State University
• Navajo Technical College
• Central Arizona College
• Mesalands Community College
• Dine College
• Cochise College

Great Plains Region

From the southeast parts of Nebraska to the northwest corner of North Dakota, students in the Great Plains Region learn how to travel far and wide in all weather conditions to compete. Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin joined to form this region, with 16 schools competing. 

• South Dakota State University 
• University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
• University of Wisconsin - River Falls
• Iowa State University 
• North Dakota State University
• Nebraska College of Tech Agriculture
• Black Hills State University 
• Mitchell Technical College
• Dickinson State University 
• Southeast Community College
• Lake Area Technical College
• Beuna Vista University
• Mid Plains Community College
• Graceland University
• Iowa Central Community College
• Bismark State College

Northwest Region

With very diverse geography, up in the corner of the country lies the Northwest Region, consisting of five Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Northern California colleges and universities. 

• University of Idaho
• Walla Walla Community College
• Treasure Valley Community College
• Lassen College
• Blue Mountain Community College 

Ozark Region

The farthest east NIRA region lies in the heart of humidity, where 17 colleges and universities from Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, and South Carolina compete in the Ozark Region. 

• Auburn University
• Michigan State University
• Central Methodist University
• Arkansas Tech University
• Murray State University
• East Mississippi Community College
• University of Kentucky
• University of Tennessee - Martin
• Mississippi State University
• Erskine College
• Missouri Valley College
• University of West Alabama 
• Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Pearl River Community College
• Southern Arkansas University
• Three Rivers College
• University of Arkansas - Monticello

Rocky Mountain Region

In the middle of the mountain states is the Rocky Mountain Region. Traveling through National Parks, over mountains, and through valleys, 10 schools from Idaho, Western Colorado, and Utah compete together. 

• Colorado Mesa University
• Idaho State University
• College of Southern Idaho
• Utah State University
• Southern Utah University
• Colorado Northwestern Community College
• Utah Valley University
• Snow College
• Utah State University Eastern
• Weber State University 

Southern Region

As far south as you can go, you will find the Southern Region. From Lake Charles to College Station and everything in between is some of the toughest competition out there among 12 colleges or universities. 

• McNeese State University
• Sam Houston State University
• Northeast Texas Community College
• Texas A&M University
• Panola College
• Hill College
• Louisiana Tech University
• Southwest Texas Junior College
• Stephen F. Austin State University
• Trinity Valley Community College 
• Texas A&M University-Commerce 
• Wharton County Junior College

Southwest Region

In the heart of cowboy country is the largest NIRA region. A total of 18 Central Texas and Eastern New Mexico colleges and universities combine to make the Southwest Region.  

• Tarleton State University 
• Texas Tech University - Lubbock
• Vernon College
• West Texas A&M University
• Cisco College
• Eastern New Mexico University
• Clarendon College
• Sul Ross State University 
• Weatherford College
• Frank Phillips College
• Howard County Junior College
• Odessa College
• New Mexico Junior College
• Angelo State University
• Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso 
• Ranger College
• South Plains College
• Western Texas College

West Coast Region

Rodeo on the beach? Students get the best of both worlds competing in on the 10 college or universities in the West Coast Region found in Central and Southern California and Nevada. 

• Cal Poly State University 
• University of Nevada - Reno 
• West Hills College
• University of Nevada - Las Vegas
• Gavilan College 
• Feather River College
• Allan Hancock College 
• Cuesta College
• California State University - Fresno 
• Bakersfield College 

The NIRA is dedicated to "Preserving Western heritage through college rodeo" and giving collegiate rodeo athletes the stage to compete at a very competitive level, preparing them for future professional rodeo careers. 

For more information on all things college rodeo, visit NIRA.