American Soccer Scholarships: How to Get Recruited & Secure Funding

Introduction

American soccer scholarships provide student-athletes with the opportunity to pursue higher education while competing at a high level. These scholarships are offered by colleges and universities across the United States, allowing players to receive financial aid for tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Soccer scholarships are available for both domestic and international students, making the U.S. a top destination for aspiring soccer players. For many, securing a scholarship means balancing academics and athletics while receiving professional-level coaching and exposure to competitive leagues.

Scholarships are awarded in different college divisions:

• NCAA Division I & II: The most competitive scholarships, often full-ride or partial.
• NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics): Offers scholarships at a level similar to NCAA DII.
• NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association): A great stepping stone for players looking to transfer to higher divisions.

Understanding how to get recruited and apply for these scholarships is crucial for maximizing opportunities.

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Types of American Soccer Scholarships

Full-Ride Soccer Scholarships

A full-ride soccer scholarship covers all college expenses, including:

• Tuition and fees
• Accommodation and meal plans
• Textbooks and study materials
• Travel and training costs

These scholarships are highly competitive and usually awarded to top-performing athletes in NCAA Division I programs.

Partial Soccer Scholarships

Partial scholarships cover a portion of college expenses, requiring student-athletes to pay for the remaining costs. Many players receive a mix of athletic and academic scholarships to cover their financial needs.

Division I vs. Division II Soccer Scholarships

Both NCAA Division I and Division II offer soccer scholarships, but with key differences:

• Division I: Offers full-ride scholarships but is highly competitive.
• Division II: Provides fewer full scholarships, but many players receive partial aid.

Players aiming for NCAA scholarships should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

NAIA & Junior College (NJCAA) Soccer Scholarships

The NAIA offers competitive soccer programs with scholarship opportunities similar to NCAA Division II. Many talented players who may not qualify for NCAA programs choose NAIA schools.

NJCAA (Junior Colleges) also provide athletic scholarships and are a great stepping stone for students looking to transfer to higher divisions after two years.

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How to Get Recruited for an American Soccer Scholarship

Step 1: Build a Strong Soccer Profile

To get noticed by college coaches, student-athletes need a strong soccer profile. This includes:

• Consistently performing well in high school, club, or academy soccer teams.
• Developing a professional highlight video showcasing key skills, goals, assists, and tactical awareness.
• Competing in high-level tournaments and leagues to gain exposure.

Step 2: Maintain Strong Academic Performance

Soccer skills alone aren’t enough—players must meet academic standards for eligibility:

• NCAA Division I & II: Minimum 2.3 GPA and SAT/ACT score requirements.
• NAIA: Requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 with standardized test scores.
• Academic scholarships can complement athletic scholarships.

Players should check the SAT and ACT requirements for their target schools.

Step 3: Contact College Coaches & Attend Showcases

Reaching out to coaches is essential for securing a soccer scholarship. Players should:

• Send personalized emails to coaches, introducing themselves and sharing their highlight video.
• Attend ID camps and soccer showcases, such as the Exact Soccer Camps and College Soccer Prospect ID Camps.
• Follow up with coaches and stay proactive in the recruitment process.

Step 4: Create a Standout Soccer Resume

College coaches receive hundreds of applications, so a well-structured soccer resume is crucial. It should include:

• Full name, contact information, and academic details (GPA, test scores).
• Soccer experience, including teams, positions played, and achievements.
• Statistics, awards, and notable tournament performances.
• A link to the player’s highlight video.

Step 5: Understand NCAA & NAIA Eligibility Requirements

Players must meet eligibility requirements to play college soccer. Key steps include:

• • Registering with the NCAA Eligibility Center for Division I & II schools.
  • Signing up for the NAIA Eligibility Center for NAIA schools.
  • Maintaining amateur status and meeting core course requirements.

By following these steps and staying proactive, student-athletes can maximize their chances of earning American soccer scholarships and securing a place on a collegiate soccer team.

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Best Colleges Offering Soccer Scholarships in the USA

Many top universities and colleges in the United States offer American soccer scholarships for talented student-athletes. Below are some of the best schools across different divisions that provide soccer scholarships.

Top NCAA Division I Schools with Strong Soccer Programs

NCAA Division I schools offer some of the most competitive soccer scholarships. These programs are highly selective and require players to excel both athletically and academically.

• University of North Carolina (UNC) – One of the strongest NCAA Division I soccer programs, with multiple national championships.
• Stanford University – A powerhouse in men’s and women’s collegiate soccer, known for developing professional-level players.
• UCLA – Offers a rich history of NCAA soccer success and strong financial aid opportunities.

Top NCAA Division II Schools for Soccer Scholarships

NCAA Division II programs also provide soccer scholarships but with a slightly lower level of competition than Division I. However, they offer great opportunities for student-athletes to play at a high level while balancing academics.

• Barry University – A leading Division II school with an excellent soccer program.
• Florida Tech – Known for its competitive soccer program and strong academic reputation.

Best NAIA & NJCAA Soccer Scholarship Programs

NAIA and NJCAA schools provide excellent alternatives for players who may not secure an NCAA scholarship but still want to play competitive college soccer while earning an education.

• Lindsey Wilson College (NAIA) – One of the top NAIA soccer programs, with multiple national titles.
• Monroe College (NJCAA) – A strong junior college (NJCAA) program that serves as a stepping stone to NCAA soccer.

How to Apply for an American Soccer Scholarship

Applying for an American soccer scholarship requires careful planning and a strong recruitment strategy. Follow these steps to increase your chances:

Step 1: Research Colleges & Soccer Programs

Find schools that align with your playing level, academic goals, and scholarship opportunities. Utilize resources like NCAA.com and NAIA.org to explore available programs.

Step 2: Register with the NCAA/NAIA Eligibility Centers

Before competing in NCAA or NAIA programs, student-athletes must register with the respective eligibility centers:

• NCAA Eligibility Center – Required for Division I and II student-athletes.
• NAIA Eligibility Center – Required for NAIA soccer players.

Step 3: Email College Coaches

Reach out to college coaches with a personalized email that includes:

• A short introduction about your soccer experience and academic background.
• A link to your highlight video showcasing your best soccer moments.
• Your soccer resume, including stats, achievements, and references.

Step 4: Apply for College Admission & Financial Aid

Scholarship offers often require acceptance into the university. Be sure to:

• Submit college applications before deadlines.
• Apply for additional financial aid through the FAFSA (for U.S. students) or institutional aid programs.

Step 5: Sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI)

Once a coach offers you a scholarship, you will need to sign an NLI (National Letter of Intent), officially committing to the school’s soccer program.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Soccer Scholarship

Here are some strategies to enhance your chances of securing an American soccer scholarship:

• Network with Coaches: Stay in contact with college coaches through email and social media.
• Attend Showcases & ID Camps: Participate in events like Exact Sports Soccer ID Camps to get noticed.
• Maintain Good Grades: Strong academic performance improves your eligibility and chances of receiving an academic-athletic scholarship combination.
• Prepare a Professional Highlight Video: Keep your highlight reel concise, showcasing your best moments in under five minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can international students get American soccer scholarships?

Yes! Many U.S. universities actively recruit international players for their soccer programs. International students should ensure they meet student visa requirements and eligibility standards.

What is the average soccer scholarship amount in the USA?

Soccer scholarships vary depending on the school and division:

• NCAA Division I: Full or partial scholarships ranging from $10,000 to full tuition.
• NCAA Division II: Mostly partial scholarships.
• NAIA & NJCAA: Competitive scholarships but usually less funding than NCAA programs.

Do Division III schools offer soccer scholarships?

No, NCAA Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but they provide generous academic and merit-based scholarships to student-athletes.

What GPA do you need for a soccer scholarship?

Each division has different academic requirements:

• NCAA Division I & II: Minimum GPA of 2.3 (higher is recommended).
• NAIA: Minimum GPA of 2.0.
• Strong academics can increase your chances of earning additional merit-based scholarships.

How early should you start the recruitment process?

It’s best to start the recruitment process early, ideally:

• Freshman/Sophomore Year: Research schools and attend ID camps.
• Junior Year: Contact coaches and build your highlight reel.
• Senior Year: Apply for schools and finalize scholarship offers.

Conclusion

American soccer scholarships provide an incredible opportunity for student-athletes to continue playing soccer at a competitive level while earning a college degree. Whether aiming for NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA programs, early preparation and strategic recruitment efforts are key to securing a scholarship.

If you’re serious about getting recruited, start researching schools, contacting coaches, and attending showcases as soon as possible. Stay proactive, balance academics and athletics, and give yourself the best chance of securing a soccer scholarship in the USA!