Scholarships for soccer players at colleges?

I play soccer competitively and I'm considering using it to help with college scholarships. Does anyone know how scholarships for soccer players typically work? Are they mainly offered by large schools, or can smaller colleges provide financial aid too?

Soccer scholarships can come from both large and small schools! It's worth noting that large universities, especially those in NCAA Division I conferences, tend to have more resources to offer larger athletic scholarships, but that doesn't mean smaller schools, like those in NCAA Division III or NAIA conferences, don't support student-athletes too.

Smaller schools can provide other forms of financial aid such as merit-based scholarships or need-based scholarships. While Division III schools technically do not provide athletic scholarships, they can provide grants and scholarships based on academic achievement or financial need that can reduce overall costs, and they often recruit student-athletes.

Many schools, regardless of size, offer soccer scholarships, but the process can vary. Typically, it starts by getting yourself recruited. You can reach out to coaches by sending them a recruitment package that includes your soccer highlight reel and some information about yourself as a player and a student.

Next, you have to determine the level of soccer you can realistically play at in college. This will help you target schools that match your abilities. Remember, the end goal here is to get your higher education funded while playing the sport you love—whether or not it's at the biggest school or the smallest school is secondary.

Finally, navigating college athletic scholarships can be a complex process, so it might be beneficial to consider consulting with your high school coach or club soccer coach. They can provide insights based on their experiences with former players or colleagues in their network. Remember, every little bit of scholarship money helps, and no school should be disregarded because of its size or league. Best of luck!