More and more international soccer players are choosing to combine their studies with playing soccer in the United States. You attend an American university, train several times a week, and compete against teams from other colleges. Studying at an American university while playing soccer at a high level can be an exciting combination. Soccer is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., with excellent facilities and scholarship opportunities available at many universities. But what level can you realistically play at, and what scholarship opportunities are available? Made Scholarships explains how the U.S. college soccer system works, the differences between the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA, and what you should consider when choosing a program.
The different levels at a glance
| Level | Athletic level | Scholarship opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| NCAA Division I | Very high | Athletic and academic |
| NCAA Division II | High, but varies by program | Athletic and academic |
| NCAA Division III | Varies by program | No athletic scholarships |
| NAIA | Varies by program; top programs comparable to D2 | Athletic and academic |
| JUCO (2 years) | Varies by program | Primarily athletic |
This overview is only a starting point. There can be significant differences between universities and programs within the same division. That is why coaches and recruiting organizations ultimately look beyond the division and focus on the level of the specific team.
NCAA Division I: the highest level of college soccer
NCAA Division I is the highest level within the NCAA. This is where you find many of the largest universities, strongest programs, biggest athletic budgets and most competitive conferences.
At many D1 programs, soccer is a major part of university life. Teams train intensively, regularly travel by plane for away games and often have access to excellent athletic facilities.
Full athletic scholarships are relatively common in Division I, although not every player receives a full scholarship. The amount of financial support varies by university, sport and individual player. Academic scholarships can also play an important role.
The level can still vary considerably between programs. A player sitting on the bench at a top D1 program may have a very different experience from a player who gets significant playing time at a lower-ranked D1 program.
For international players, it is therefore important not to focus only on the “Division I” label. Look at the actual level of the team, the players competing for your position and the role the coach sees for you.
Division I is particularly interesting for top-level players who compete at a high level in the Netherlands and want to test themselves against strong college programs. A strong athletic profile, a good recruiting video and a suitable academic profile are all important.
NCAA Division II: a high level with room to develop
NCAA Division II offers a wide range of opportunities. The athletic level varies considerably, but the stronger D2 programs are highly competitive. The top of Division II can compete with the upper level of Division I.
One of the differences compared with D1 is that D2 often places a strong emphasis on combining athletics, academics and student life. That does not mean the athletic level is low. Players still train intensively and compete in a serious schedule.
Division II uses a partial scholarship model. In soccer, a program can distribute up to 9.0 scholarship equivalents for men’s soccer and 9.9 for women’s soccer. Coaches can divide this scholarship budget among multiple players, which means partial athletic scholarships are common. Athletic scholarships can also be combined with academic scholarships or other forms of financial aid.
Division II offers opportunities for players at different levels. Because the level varies significantly between programs, a D2 university can be a good fit for a player competing at a high level as well as for someone playing at a slightly lower level who wants to continue developing in the U.S.
NCAA Division III: soccer and academics without athletic scholarships
Division III works differently from Division I and II. D3 universities cannot offer athletic scholarships, which can make the overall cost higher.
That does not mean student-athletes cannot receive financial support. Universities may offer merit scholarships and need-based financial aid. The options vary by university and student, but your grades, GPA and test scores such as the SAT or ACT can all play a role.
The athletic level within D3 also varies considerably. Some programs are highly competitive, while others place more emphasis on combining soccer with academics and student life.
Division III can be a good option for students who place a strong emphasis on academics while still wanting to play soccer at a competitive level. When looking at D3, it is therefore important to consider not only the soccer program, but also the academic program, university reputation and financial options.
NAIA: an alternative to the NCAA
The NAIA is an independent college sports organization alongside the NCAA. The level varies significantly between programs. The top of the NAIA can compete with the top of Division II and the upper level of Division I, while there are also many programs across the NAIA that offer opportunities to players with a lower current level.
Many NAIA programs offer athletic scholarships, and at many universities these can be combined with academic scholarships. The eligibility rules are also different and, in some areas, more flexible than those of the NCAA, which can make the NAIA particularly interesting for international players.
The NAIA offers opportunities for players at different levels. Strong players looking to compete at a high level, as well as players at a lower level who want to continue developing in the U.S., can find suitable programs within the NAIA.
NJCAA (JUCO): a two-year pathway
Community colleges generally offer two-year programs leading to an Associate Degree. Many of these colleges have athletic teams that compete within the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). That is why they are also commonly referred to as Junior Colleges or JUCOs.
After two years, students can transfer to a four-year NCAA or NAIA university and continue their bachelor’s degree.
A JUCO can be useful if you want to make a sporting or academic step before moving on to a four-year university, get used to the American education system or reduce the overall cost of your studies.
A Junior College can therefore be a good option if you want to gain experience in the U.S., strengthen your academic profile or use a two-year college as a pathway to a four-year university.
When should you start?
It is better to start too early than too late.
Building a strong athletic profile, creating a recruiting video, researching universities and contacting coaches all take time. Coaches are also recruiting several years ahead and may already be building future rosters long before a player is ready to start college.
Universities also have their own deadlines and admission requirements. This can include your academic records, English language test and, where required, credential evaluation.
For many players, it is therefore a good idea to start the process one to two years before your intended start date.
Ready to find out which level is right for you?
Finding the right American university starts with understanding your options. At Made Scholarships, we look at your athletic level, academic profile, personal preferences and budget.
We then help you determine which universities and college programs could be a good fit and how to present yourself effectively to coaches.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Made Scholarships