Competition for soccer scholarships is fiercer than almost any other sport. Individual players must work hard to achieve the level of academic and athletic excellence that will separate award winners from those who would have to find other forms of assistance. One area that every applicant should understand is exactly what college athletic associations and departments can offer real soccer scholarships. Not all divisions can do that. This information can help students better understand the application process and available schools.
Divisions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
NCAA Division I schools are the largest, wealthiest, and best-equipped in the country. There are more than 100 such institutions in the country, including many of the most prestigious teams in college sports. Universities with slightly smaller facilities and fewer students are placed in Division II. Very small schools with no facilities are sometimes placed in NCAA Division III. The NCAA regulates the number of football scholarships each of these schools can receive. Division I programs may have as few as 85 students receiving soccer scholarships for a year. Additionally, there is a limit of 25 or 30 new 85 scholarship recipients each year depending on whether the school is in the Bowl or Championship class.
NCAA Division II and Division III
NCAA Division II colleges do not have the same types of restrictions as other divisions. There is no limit to the number of current and new students who can receive assistance each year. The NCAA does not limit the total amount that is distributed. A large percentage of athletes in this category receive only partial assistance. NCAA Division III colleges are not allowed to provide financial aid for athletic activities.
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
The NJCAA is made up of more than 60 community and community colleges across the country. Each school is allowed 85 soccer scholarships each year and there is no limit to how they can be awarded. Many of the individual NJCAA schools pay special attention to local athletes. These colleges sometimes go to great lengths to ensure that exceptional local talent gets some form of athletic assistance.
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
NAIA consists of nearly 300 sports programs organized primarily by smaller educational institutions. Just over 90 of these participants offer soccer scholarships. Each school may allocate up to 24 scholarships each year in any manner desired. NAIA games are broadcast nationally by various sports networks. Many professional soccer athletes are recruited directly from the NAIA.