Guides

Soccer scholarships & paying for college

Most college soccer players are on a partial scholarship or no athletic scholarship at all. Academic and need-based aid often adds up to more.

Who can give athletic money?

• NCAA D1 & D2 and NAIA: yes. Coaches often split it among many players. Check before publishing: roster and scholarship limits changed recently in D1. Confirm current numbers for men and women.
• NCAA D3: no athletic scholarships, but academic and need-based aid can be big.
• NJCAA: depends on the division (D1 can give full, D2 partial, D3 none). Check before publishing: confirm.

Compare the right number

Net price = cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. A private school with a high sticker price can cost less than a public school once aid is in. Use each school's Net Price Calculator.

Steps

1. File the FAFSA (and CSS Profile if a school asks) in senior year.
2. Ask each coach: "Is this athletic aid, academic aid or both? Is it renewable?"
3. Get every offer in writing and compare them side by side.
4. Grades unlock money. A strong GPA can earn merit aid at many schools.