Introduction: The Myth of the “Full Ride” in Men’s Soccer

When most high school or club players think about college soccer, they dream of securing a “full ride” scholarship that covers tuition, housing, meals, and everything else. The reality? Full rides in men’s soccer are extremely rare.

Unlike football or basketball, where athletic scholarships can fully fund a roster, men’s soccer programs are considered “equivalency sports”—meaning coaches divide their limited scholarships across multiple athletes. That’s why understanding how scholarships actually work is crucial to building a realistic recruiting plan.

In this blog, we’ll break down how athletic aid is awarded, why “full rides” are the exception and not the rule, and how you can combine academics, need-based aid, and soccer funding to create a realistic path to college.

Understanding Soccer Scholarships by Division

NCAA Division I

• Men’s soccer programs are allowed a maximum of 9.9 scholarships to distribute across a roster that often has 28–32 players.
• This means the average athletic scholarship covers only a fraction of total costs.
• Coaches typically split scholarships among top recruits, so even elite players may receive only partial funding.

NCAA Division II

• Programs are capped at 9 scholarships.
• Rosters are smaller than D1, but scholarships are still divided.
• Many players combine athletic aid with academic awards or FAFSA to make college affordable.

NCAA Division III

• D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships at all.
• However, they often provide generous academic merit aid and need-based financial aid. For strong students, this can sometimes cover more than what a partial athletic scholarship at another level would.

NAIA

• NAIA soccer programs can award up to 12 scholarships per team, which gives coaches a bit more flexibility.
• Just like the NCAA, these are almost always split among multiple athletes.

NJCAA (Junior College)

• Junior colleges can be the most scholarship-friendly, with up to 18 full scholarships available at many programs.
• This is one of the few pathways where a “full ride” is actually more attainable.

👉 For players unsure which path fits them best, check out helpful recruiting resources at Select Generation

Why Full Rides Are So Rare in Men’s Soccer

There are three main reasons:

1. Limited Funding
   Unlike football or basketball, soccer isn’t a revenue-generating sport. Budgets are tighter, and scholarships are spread thin.
2. Roster Size
   With 25–30 players on a roster, even the best programs must divide aid among many athletes. Coaches rarely give one player a full ride unless they are a game-changing recruit.
3. Coach Strategy
   Coaches want depth. Instead of giving one full scholarship to a single player, they prefer to offer multiple partial scholarships to balance their roster across positions.

The takeaway: If you’re aiming for a men’s soccer scholarship, expect a partial award, and build a plan that combines multiple forms of aid.

The Role of Academics in Maximizing Aid

Your grades are just as important as your performance on the pitch. Strong academics can unlock merit-based scholarships that significantly reduce costs.

Why Academics Matter:

• Many colleges “stack” academic and athletic aid, meaning you can combine both.
• A high GPA and strong test scores give coaches more flexibility, since your academic award reduces how much athletic aid they need to use on you.
• Academic strength signals maturity and reliability—two qualities coaches value in recruits.

👉 Want to see how your academics impact recruiting opportunities? Read this guide on how to get recruited to play college soccer.

Financial Aid and FAFSA: Don’t Overlook It

For many families, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is just as important as a scholarship offer.

• FAFSA can provide need-based grants, loans, and work-study options.
• Coaches often consider your FAFSA eligibility when planning offers.
• A smart family strategy combines FAFSA, academic awards, and partial athletic aid to make college affordable.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until senior year—start conversations about financial planning early.

Smart Recruiting Strategies to Maximize Scholarship Opportunities

1. Be Honest About Expectations

Understand that most players won’t get a full ride. Go into the process ready to combine multiple funding sources.

2. Build Relationships with Coaches

Coaches want to see maturity and responsibility. Be proactive in your communication, whether that’s emails, calls, or updates after events.

👉 Learn how to reach out effectively in this resource on how to write the perfect email to college soccer coaches.

3. Attend the Right ID Camps and Showcases

Exposure matters. Coaches need to see you compete in person to consider offering aid. Make sure to choose events where your target schools are attending.

👉 For more insight, check out this guide on how to impress college coaches at showcases and tournaments.

4. Highlight Your Versatility

Players who can contribute in multiple positions are often more valuable to coaches—making it more likely they’ll invest scholarship money in you.

5. Use Junior College as a Stepping Stone

For athletes who need more development or affordability, starting at a junior college with larger scholarship packages can be a smart route before transferring to a four-year program.

Common Mistakes Families Make About Soccer Scholarships

1. Assuming Everyone Gets a Full Ride
   This is the most common myth—and the quickest way to face disappointment.
2. Ignoring Academics
   Players with weak grades limit both their scholarship opportunities and their eligibility.
3. Focusing Only on Division I
   Great opportunities exist at D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO. Being open-minded can maximize both playing time and scholarship support.
4. Not Asking Direct Questions
   Families sometimes avoid asking coaches tough questions about scholarship amounts, renewals, or stacking aid. Clarity now prevents surprises later.
5. Making Emotion-Driven Decisions
   Don’t pick a school based only on the size of the athletic award. Look at the full financial picture, the academic fit, and the team culture.

Final Thoughts: A Realistic Path to College Soccer

Full rides in men’s soccer are rare—but that doesn’t mean college soccer is out of reach. By combining partial athletic scholarships with academic aid and FAFSA support, players can build an affordable path.

The key is preparation: excel in the classroom, communicate directly with coaches, and manage expectations about what “being recruited” really looks like.

Remember, the goal isn’t just a scholarship—it’s finding the right school where you can thrive athletically, academically, and personally.