Soccer scholarships in the United States are in high demand and competitive to obtain. Here are a few things you can do to increase your chances.

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By offering personalised guidance and support, we aim to help student-athletes achieve their goals of competing in collegiate sports while obtaining a world-class education in the United States.

Do you believe you have what it takes to play soccer at an American university?

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How do USA college soccer scholarships work?

US college soccer scholarships are awarded to players who have the potential to make a difference in a team. As soccer is a subjective sport, coaches will have different needs for their teams.

These scholarships may cover various expenses, including tuition, housing, food, books, and other related fees. The value of the scholarship may vary, with some covering all expenses (full scholarship), while others provide only partial assistance (partial scholarship). They are awarded on a year-by-year basis and can be renewed annually for up to four playing years. 

  • A 2-3 minute highlight video is a must.
  • If you are a goalkeeper, training footage can be beneficial too.
  • It is advantageous to be playing at the club/academy level.
  • A strong GPA and test scores can earn you more scholarships

Who awards soccer scholarships in the USA?

Soccer scholarships are awarded by institutions and colleges that belong to the following athletic associations: the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic (NAIA) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

NCAA men’s soccer teams are entitled to give out nine full scholarships at the Division 1 (D1) level, and nine at the D2 level, while D3 colleges do not give out funding for soccer at all. It must be noted that players can still win academic scholarships to D3 institutions while playing soccer.

NCAA D1 women’s soccer teams can give out 14 full scholarships, D2 are allowed nine and, much like the men teams, D3 colleges do not give any sports-related scholarship away at all.

NAIA and NJCAA soccer teams are able to give out very generous soccer scholarships, with the NJCAA entitled to 18 full scholarships for each of their men’s and women’s soccer teams. The NAIA follow the same scholarship distribution rules as the NCAA D1 teams mentioned above.

Frequently asked questions about USA college soccer scholarships

1. What are the eligibility requirements to play college soccer in the USA?

To play college soccer, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the NCAA, NAIA or NJCAA. These typically include academic qualifications, amateur status and compliance with age limits.

2. How do I get recruited by college soccer coaches?

You can get recruited by showcasing your skills through video highlights, attending college soccer camps, tournaments, or showcases, and by directly contacting coaches with your soccer resume and academic records.

3. What level of soccer does colleges offer?

Colleges in the US offer soccer at different levels:

  • NCAA Division I: Highest level with rigorous competition and athletic scholarships.
  • NCAA Division II: Competitive with more balanced focus on academics and athletics, also offers scholarships.
  • NCAA Division III: Emphasises academics, with no athletic scholarships.
  • NAIA: Smaller schools, often private schools, with scholarships and competitive soccer programmes.
  • NJCAA: Community colleges offering a pathway to four-year programmes.

4. What should I include in my soccer highlight video?

Your video should showcase your technical skills, tactical understanding and athleticism. Include clips of passing, shooting, defending and game scenarios with clear footage.

Speak to one of our expert recruiters today about what GPA (and other requirements) you need to qualify for an athletic scholarship in the USA.