SOCCER & FIELD HOCKEY

ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS
IN THE USA

A sports scholarship is an offer from a college that wants you on its team. For our soccer players, that can mean NCAA, NAIA or junior college. You do not have to play Division I to receive athletic aid.

Here is what a coach can offer, what the scholarship may cover, and how to read the number that really matters: your final cost.

START HERE

WHAT IS AN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP?

A coach sees a place for you in the team and the college offers financial support for your sport. The amount is personal. It depends on your level, the team's needs, the school's budget and the rules of its division.

THE COACH WANTS YOU
Your video and playing level get the conversation started. Your position and fit with the team matter too.

MOST OFFERS ARE PARTIAL
A full scholarship can happen, but many players receive help with only part of the costs.
THE OFFER IS SCHOOL-SPECIFIC
The same player can receive very different offers from two schools. Compare the actual amount and total cost.

COVERAGE IS NOT ALWAYS THE SAME
Check whether the award applies to tuition, housing, meals, books and fees.

ASK ABOUT NEXT YEAR
Understand the award period and renewal conditions before you commit.

YOUR ROUTES

WHERE CAN YOU GET A SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP?

Division I is only one route. NCAA Division I and II, NAIA and NJCAA Division I and II can offer athletic scholarships. Many of our soccer players find a good match through NAIA or JUCO. For field hockey, we focus mainly on NCAA programs. NCAA and NJCAA Division III do not award athletic scholarships.

NCAA Division I & II

College soccer and field hockey programs can offer athletic aid. Division II often spreads its budget across several players.

NAIA

A real scholarship route for soccer players. Each NAIA college decides how much athletic aid it offers an individual athlete.

JUCO / NJCAA

Junior colleges can be a strong two-year soccer route. NJCAA Division I and II may offer athletic aid, under different limits.

THE SIZE OF THE OFFER

PARTIAL OR FULL SCHOLARSHIP?

A full ride sounds great, but a partial scholarship can also make a school a good option. Ask for the exact yearly amount and what it pays for. Then compare what is left to pay.

PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The school covers part of your costs. This is common across college sports. Check which costs stay with you and your family.

FULL SCHOLARSHIP

A larger offer may cover tuition, housing and meals, depending on the school and division. Ask what is included in writing.

SEE UNIVERSITY COSTS

READ YOUR OFFER

WHAT DOES YOUR SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

Ask for the offer in writing. A percentage alone does not tell you what you will pay. Go through these costs with the school:

Tuition and mandatory college fees
Housing and meals
Books and health insurance
Travel and personal expenses
The award period and renewal terms

Then subtract the confirmed athletic scholarship from the total yearly cost. Some schools may add academic aid, but that is a separate part of the offer. What remains is the amount your family needs to plan for.

THE COACH'S VIEW

HOW DOES A COACH DECIDE?

There is no set scholarship amount for a soccer or field hockey player. A coach weighs your level against the team's needs and available budget. You also need admission and athletic eligibility.

Your playing level

Match footage, competition level and your development help a coach see what you could bring.

The team's needs

A team looking for your position and graduation year may value your profile differently.

The budget and timing

Each program has its own resources. The money available can change from one recruiting year to the next.

THE RIGHT FIT COUNTS TOO

After the numbers make sense, look at the team, the degree and the place you would call home. We speak with coaches, visit campuses and help you judge whether the offer fits your life as well as your sport.

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