The 1996 NCAA Women's Division I Swimming and Diving Championships were contested at the 15th annual NCAA-sanctioned swim meet to determine the team and individual national champions of Division I women's collegiate swimming and diving in the United States.

This year's events were hosted by the University of Michigan at the Donald B. Canham Natatorium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Four-time defending champions Stanford again topped the team standings, finishing 81 points ahead of SMU.

It was the Cardinal's eighth overall women's team title.