1996 NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament

The 1996 NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament was the 15th annual tournament hosted by the NCAA to determine the national champion of Division II women's collegiate basketball in the United States.

Three-time defending champions North Dakota State defeated Shippensburg in the championship game, 104–78, to claim the Bison's fifth NCAA Division II national title. This was North Dakota State's fifth title in six years and fourth of four consecutive titles for the Bison.

The championship rounds were contested in Fargo, North Dakota.

East - Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
Location: Heiges Field House Host: Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Great Lakes - Louisville, Kentucky
Location: Knights Hall Host: Bellarmine College

North Central - Fargo, North Dakota
Location: Bison Sports Arena Host: North Dakota State University

Northeast - Waltham, Massachusetts
Location: Dana Center Host: Bentley College

South - Cleveland, Mississippi
Location: Walter Sillers Coliseum Host: Delta State University

South Atlantic - Wingate, North Carolina
Location: Cuddy Arena Host: Wingate College

South Central - Abilene, Texas
Location: Moody Coliseum Host: Abilene Christian University

West - Davis, California
Location: Recreation Hall Host: University of California, Davis

Elite Eight - Fargo, North Dakota
Location: Bison Sports Arena Host: North Dakota State University

All-tournament team

 * Kasey Morlock, North Dakota State
 * Lori Roufs, North Dakota State
 * Jenni Rademacher, North Dakota State
 * Jennifer Clarkson, Abilene Christian
 * Caroline Omamo, Abilene Christian