If you are a soccer player dreaming of competing at the college level, the answer is yes, you absolutely can earn a soccer scholarship. There are thousands of scholarship opportunities available for both men and women across NCAA, NAIA, and junior college programs.

While the number of scholarships and schools varies by division, one thing remains true across every level: hard work, academics, and proactive communication can open doors. Let’s break down how soccer scholarships work for both men and women in college athletics.

How Many College Soccer Programs Exist?

Soccer is one of the most popular collegiate sports in the United States. Between men’s and women’s programs, there are well over 2,000 opportunities to compete at the next level.

Here is a general overview of how many colleges sponsor soccer across the main divisions:

• NCAA Division I: About 330 women’s teams and 205 men’s teams
• NCAA Division II: About 265 women’s teams and 214 men’s teams
• NCAA Division III: Over 440 women’s teams and 415 men’s teams
• NAIA: About 200 women’s teams and 188 men’s teams
• NJCAA (Junior Colleges): Around 190 women’s teams and 217 men’s teams

These numbers show there is no shortage of opportunity. Whether you are a top-level recruit aiming for Division I or an athlete looking for the right academic and athletic balance, there is a program out there for you.

NCAA Soccer Scholarships

Division I

Division I is the most competitive level in college soccer, featuring nationally ranked programs and professional-level facilities.

• Men’s Soccer: Each Division I program can offer up to 9.9 full scholarship equivalents.
• Women’s Soccer: Each program can offer up to 14 full scholarships.

Soccer is considered an equivalency sport, which means coaches can split scholarships among multiple players. For example, a women’s team might divide 14 full scholarships into partial awards for 25 players. This gives coaches flexibility to help more athletes financially.

Beyond athletic aid, many programs also combine partial soccer scholarships with academic or merit-based awards to create strong financial packages.

Division II

Division II schools offer a great balance of strong soccer competition, smaller class sizes, and personalized academics.

• Men’s Soccer: Programs can offer up to 9 full scholarship equivalents.
• Women’s Soccer: Programs can offer up to 9.9 full scholarship equivalents.

As in Division I, these scholarships can be divided among multiple players. Many Division II programs compete at an elite level and still offer the chance for meaningful athletic aid.

Division III

Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but they provide other types of financial support that can be just as impactful.

D3 programs award academic scholarships, need-based aid, and merit awards that often cover a large portion of tuition. Coaches can also help guide you toward institutional grants that reward academic excellence and leadership.

For many student-athletes, D3 is the perfect mix of competitive soccer, academics, and campus involvement.

NAIA Soccer Scholarships

NAIA schools are comparable to NCAA Division II in terms of competition level but often provide more flexible scholarship options and recruiting rules.

• Men’s Soccer: Up to 12 full scholarship equivalents per program
• Women’s Soccer: Up to 12 full scholarship equivalents per program

NAIA coaches frequently attract international players and use creative scholarship combinations to recruit globally. The smaller campus environments and more personal relationships with coaches make NAIA soccer an excellent option for athletes looking for strong athletic and academic balance.

Junior College (NJCAA) Soccer Scholarships

Junior colleges, often called JUCOs, are two-year institutions that give athletes a chance to improve academically or athletically before transferring to a four-year school.

• Men’s Soccer: Up to 18 full scholarship equivalents per program
• Women’s Soccer: Up to 18 full scholarship equivalents per program

JUCO scholarships can cover tuition, books, and sometimes housing or meals. Many student-athletes use JUCO as a stepping stone to NCAA or NAIA programs, gaining both experience and exposure.

Some of the most successful college and professional players began their journey at the junior college level.

Why There Is Real Opportunity

Soccer scholarships are available at every level, but it is important to remember that partial scholarships are very common. Because coaches can divide their funding, they can assist more athletes than the total number of full scholarships might suggest.

In addition, many schools offer stacked financial aid packages that combine athletic awards with academic scholarships, grants, and need-based aid. This means even if you do not receive a full athletic scholarship, you can still significantly reduce your college costs.

Scholarships are not only about talent. Coaches look for players with good grades, strong character, leadership skills, and communication habits. Being reliable and proactive off the field can matter as much as performance on it.

How to Improve Your Chances

If you want to earn a soccer scholarship, focus on controlling what you can: preparation, visibility, and communication.

1. Excel in the Classroom

Academics matter to every college coach. Maintain a strong GPA and stay on top of your NCAA eligibility requirements. A good academic record shows responsibility and gives you more flexibility with academic scholarships.

2. Create a Professional Highlight Video

Your highlight video is your introduction to coaches. Keep it under four minutes, start with your best plays, and clearly show your number and position. Include your name, graduation year, and contact info at the beginning or end.

3. Be Proactive in Communication

Reach out to coaches early. Introduce yourself, share your highlight video, and update them after big tournaments or achievements. Following up shows initiative and commitment.

4. Utalize the Free ASM Sports App

Upload your video and profile to the ASM Sports app. Coaches often rely on databases to find players who fit their roster needs.

5. Attend College Camps and Showcases

College ID camps and showcases allow you to meet coaches face-to-face and experience the level of play they expect. Attend events that align with your target schools and keep your communication professional.

Staying Positive During the Process

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by numbers or competition, but remember that there are thousands of scholarships available. Every year, athletes from all backgrounds earn athletic aid and find the right college fit.

Focus on what you can control: your grades, your preparation, and your outreach. Coaches are always looking for hardworking, coachable players who bring energy and discipline to their programs.

Whether you end up at a Division I powerhouse, a small NAIA school, or a competitive junior college, every path can lead to an incredible college experience both academically and athletically.

Final Thoughts

So, can you get a soccer scholarship? Absolutely. With dedication, organization, and effort, you can find an opportunity that matches your talent and goals.

• Division I: Up to 9.9 scholarships for men and 14 for women
• Division II: Up to 9 for men and 9.9 for women
• NAIA: Up to 12 for both men and women
• NJCAA: Up to 18 for both men and women

From large universities to smaller private schools, there are opportunities everywhere for student-athletes who are ready to take the initiative. Start building your profile, reach out to coaches, and use every resource available to get noticed.

At ASM Sports, we help athletes connect with colleges, organize their recruiting process, and turn their goals into reality. Your scholarship journey starts with belief, preparation, and persistence, and the next step begins today!