The 1996 NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament was the 15th annual tournament hosted by the NCAA to determine the national champion of Division II women's collegiate basketball in the United States.

[1] Three-time defending champions North Dakota State defeated Shippensburg in the championship game, 104–78, to claim the Bison's fifth NCAA Division II national title.

This was North Dakota State's fifth title in six years and fourth of four consecutive titles for the Bison.

The championship rounds were contested in Fargo, North Dakota.

Location: Heiges Field House Host: Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Location: Knights Hall Host: Bellarmine College Location: Bison Sports Arena Host: North Dakota State University Location: Dana Center Host: Bentley College Location: Walter Sillers Coliseum Host: Delta State University Location: Cuddy Arena Host: Wingate College Location: Moody Coliseum Host: Abilene Christian University Location: Recreation Hall Host: University of California, Davis Location: Bison Sports Arena Host: North Dakota State University