This is a list of NCAA Division I outdoor champions in the 400 meters or its imperial equivalent 440 yard dash. For men, the imperial distance was contested until 1975 excepting Olympic years starting in 1932. Metrication occurred in 1976, so all subsequent championships were at the metric distance. Hand timing was used until 1973, while starting in 1974 fully automatic timing was used. The women's race began in 1982.