College hockey most often refers to the American ice hockey competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, or NCAA, though leagues outside of the United States exist. In the NCAA there are three national divisions, I, II and III that support both men's and women's teams. The majority of teams play in division I and III, the only two levels that hold national championships.

College hockey remains second to junior hockey as a talent pool for professional hockey players, but there are numerous National Hockey League players that have played in the NCAA system.