Understanding Scholarships in Men’s Soccer

Scholarships for men’s soccer are available across NCAA Division 1, Division 2, NAIA, and junior college levels, creating opportunities for talented athletes to reduce college costs. Understanding how scholarships are awarded and navigating the recruiting process strategically is essential to maximize your chances. Here’s what you need to know:

New NCAA Men’s Soccer Scholarship Limits

Beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, if a proposed NCAA settlement is approved, scholarship limits will become more flexible for D1 programs. Key updates for men’s soccer recruits include:

• Increased Scholarships: D1 programs may offer up to 28 scholarships, up from the current limit of 9.9.
• Roster Cap: D1 men’s soccer programs will maintain a 28-player roster limit.
• Equivalency Sport: Soccer will continue as an equivalency sport, allowing programs to split scholarships into partial awards across multiple athletes.

These are maximum NCAA limits; however, individual schools aren’t required to meet them.

Number of Men’s Soccer Scholarships by Division Level

With over 1,200 colleges fielding men’s soccer teams, scholarship availability varies by division level:

• NCAA Division 1: Up to 28 scholarships starting in 2025; 32.5 average roster size.
• NCAA Division 2: 9 scholarships; 37.4 average roster size.
• NCAA Division 3: No athletic scholarships, but significant academic and need-based aid.
• NAIA: 12 scholarships; 30 average roster size.
• Junior College: 24 scholarships; 19 average roster size.

What Is the Average Soccer Scholarship?

On average, men’s soccer players in NCAA Division 1 receive around $8,457 per year in athletic scholarship aid. As an equivalency sport, funds are often divided among multiple players, with the amount awarded varying based on team budgets, the coach’s approach, and the school’s tuition costs.

What Are My Chances of Getting a Soccer Scholarship?

Roughly 7% of U.S. high school men’s soccer players continue to compete in college, and only about 2% reach the NCAA Division 1 level. With soccer being globally popular, international players also compete for U.S. scholarships, adding to the competition.

Colleges That Offer Soccer Scholarships

Scholarships are available at various institutions across divisions. A few examples include:

• Division 1: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Stanford University, UCLA.
• Division 2: University of West Florida.
• NAIA: Azusa Pacific University.
• Junior College: Tyler Junior College.

NCAA Division 1 Men’s Soccer Scholarships

Division 1 has the most competitive level of play, offering up to 28 scholarships per program (starting in 2025). However, not all schools fully fund their teams, so the actual number of scholarships can differ from program to program.

NCAA Division 2 Men’s Soccer Scholarships

Division 2 programs can offer up to 9 scholarships per team. Coaches decide whether to allocate these as full or partial awards depending on team needs and player roles.

NCAA Division 3 Men’s Soccer Scholarships

Division 3 programs don’t offer athletic scholarships, but most athletes receive other forms of financial assistance, such as academic scholarships, merit-based awards, and need-based aid.

NAIA Men’s Soccer Scholarships

NAIA programs can provide up to 12 scholarships per team, which can be split among players. With fewer recruiting restrictions, NAIA schools allow for earlier and more flexible coach-athlete communication.

Junior College Men’s Soccer Scholarships

Junior colleges can offer up to 24 full scholarships per team, which makes them an attractive option for athletes aiming to transfer to higher divisions later.

Can You Play College Soccer Without a Scholarship?

Yes, athletes can still play as walk-ons or use academic scholarships and need-based aid to support their education. Walk-ons sometimes earn scholarships in later years based on performance and team needs.

For personalized guidance, consult an NCSA Recruiting Coach, or create a free profile to start your recruitment journey.