There’s no such thing as a D1 or D3 college academically. You can find equally challenging or easy academic situations at each level. The only effect on academics would be the longer D1 schedule.
You won’t find any D3 programs better than Princeton baseball. A top D3 program with a stud pitcher who is a legit pro prospect might be able to keep the D3 in the game. After that it’s all over for the D3.
I was privy to a conversation to this effect. The question in 2009 was, “Could 2008 D3 national champion Trinity (CT) compete with Harvard (10-30).”
The conversation took place at a Boston College - Harvard baseball game the following year. One of the baseball dads in the conversation was college teammates and still friends with the Trinity coach (Bill Decker who is now the Harvard coach). He asked Decker the question.
The response was with Tim Kiely on the mound we could stay in the game. After that, we’re toast.
Kiely was a late bloomer throwing 90+ by senior year with incredible command (3 walks in 90+ innings). He made it to AAA with the Angels.
There are a handful of really bad D1 programs good D3 teams could beat on a regular basis. But there aren’t many. Think back about ten years with Coppin State.
https://coppinstatesports.com/...ason_Stats.pdf?id=30
If a kid has learning issues he’s probably better off at a D3/small college for less outside distractions.