Based on data from a NESCAC, "The formation of NESCAC originated with an agreement among Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Wesleyan University and Williams College first drafted in 1955. Along with these four institutions, Bates College, Colby College, Hamilton College, Middlebury College, Trinity College and Tufts University are sustaining charter members. Connecticut College was added in 1982, bringing the Conference's membership to its current total of 11 institutions."

Union College was an original charter member, but left a NESCAC inside 1977 fallowing an incident using hockey recruiting.

Past and Present Member Colleges
Amherst College Lord Jeffs -- Amherst, MA (1971-) Bates College Bobcats -- Lewiston, ME (1971-) Bowdoin College Polar Bears -- Brunswick, ME (1971-) Colby College White Mules -- Waterville, ME (1971-) Connecticut College Camels -- New London, CT (1982-) Hamilton College Continentals -- Clinton, NY (1971-) Middlebury College Panthers -- Middlebury, VT (1971-) Trinity College Bantams -- Hartford, CT (1971-) Tufts University Jumbos -- Medford, MA (1971-) Union College Dutchmen -- Schenectady, NY (1971-1977) Wesleyan University Cardinals -- Middletown, CT (1971-) Williams College Ephs -- Williamstown, MA (1971-)

Conference Championships
A NESCAC holds conference championships in Fall year: Men & Women's Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Men and Women's Soccer, Volleyball; Winter year: Men & Women's Basketball, Men and Women's Ice Hockey, Men and Women's Swimming and Diving; Spring year: Baseball, Men and Women's Lacrosse, Women's Rowing, Softball, Men and Women's Tennis and Men and Women's Track and Field.

NCAA Division III Competition
Before 1993, NESCAC usually did non allow its member schools to send teams to NCAA championships. Since so, tons sports except football will use this freedom, & have excelled in the NCAA Section III championships. For instance, a Section 3 NACDA Director's Cup, awarded since 1996 to the college or university that wins the most college championships, has been awarded to Williams College every year except 1998, and Williams is currently in first place for the 2004-05 academic year.

Related Athletic Conferences
Amherst, Wesleyan, & Williams come as well members of the "Little Three" conference. Bates, Bowdoin, & Colby come too members of the CBB conference.