The school competes in the NCAA's Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in all sports except ice hockey.

They are also known for having a strong club sports program, especially in ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, rugby, alpine skiing and ice hockey.

On April 9, 2011, the Bulldogs men's ice hockey program won its first NCAA Division I national championship, beating Michigan 3–2 in overtime.

[8] UMD graduate Graham Harriman has played for the United States national rugby team.

The USCSA comprises over 170 Colleges and Universities competing in Alpine, Snowboard, Free-style & Cross-Country Skiing (Nordic).