How to Get a College Soccer Scholarship
By Ethan Harris, former RSL Academy and Weber State player · Updated 2026-10-22
Short answer
Most college soccer scholarships are partial, not full rides. To earn one, get on coaches' radar early with emails and film, target schools where you'd play, keep your grades strong, and combine athletic and academic aid.
How soccer scholarships work
- Division I and II soccer are "equivalency" sports: coaches split their scholarship budget across many players, so partial scholarships are common.
- Division III schools don't offer athletic scholarships, but many players receive academic and need-based aid.
- NAIA and junior college programs also offer athletic scholarships.
- At Division I schools in the House settlement, roster limits now apply (28 for men's soccer), which changes how coaches build their rosters.
Steps to get a scholarship offer
- Build a realistic list across divisions. More schools means more chances at aid.
- Email coaches with a highlight video and your schedule, then follow up with updates.
- Keep your GPA up. Academic money often stacks with athletic money.
- Ask coaches directly what aid looks like at their school once you're talking.
- Compare the total cost after all aid, not the scholarship amount alone.
Common mistakes
- Only targeting D1 schools.
- Waiting for coaches to find you.
- Ignoring academics until senior year.