Links & Resources

NCAA Division I

• Highest level of college soccer competition in the U.S.

• Largest athletic budgets, extensive recruiting, and most scholarships (up to 9.9 for men, 14 for women, divided among players).

• Highly competitive nationally; heavy travel and rigorous schedules.

• Often a stepping stone to professional opportunities.

 

NCAA Division II

• Competitive soccer but slightly less travel and time commitment than D-I.

• Smaller athletic budgets; scholarships available but typically fewer than D-I (9.0 for men, 9.9 for women).

• More balance between athletics, academics, and campus life.

 

NCAA Division III

• No athletic scholarships, but strong focus on academics and well-rounded college experience.

• Competitive programs (some nationally elite) but generally lower athletic time demands than D-I/D-II.

• Financial aid through academic merit or need-based grants is common.

 

NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

• Comparable to NCAA D-II/D-III in competition level, with some strong programs.

• Can offer athletic scholarships (up to 12 for both men and women, divided among players).

• Smaller schools, often with a close-knit community feel.

 

NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) — Junior/Community Colleges

• Two-year colleges, with divisions (DI, DII, DIII) based on scholarship offerings.

• Good pathway for players wanting to improve academically, develop athletically, or transfer to NCAA/NAIA programs later.

• Shorter seasons but still competitive, with opportunities to play nationally ranked opponents.

 

Other Associations (less common but still notable)

• USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) – Mostly small schools, flexible eligibility rules.

• CCCAA (California Community College Athletic Association) – California’s junior college league, highly competitive regionally.

• NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) – Faith-based programs, often overlapping with NCAA or NAIA schools.