College Soccer in the U.S.

Discover what U.S. College Soccer is all about and how we can help you get a Soccer scholarship at an American university - while earning your degree at the same time. Let's make your dream reality.

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What Is College Soccer In The U.S.

U.S. College Soccer is the perfect opportunity to combine high-level soccer with an university education. It offers a competitive and organized environment that closely mirrors the professional game, providing players with elite coaching, dedicated support, and often state-of-the-art facilities that rival or exceed those found at many professional clubs. Securing a college soccer scholarship means you get to continue pursuing your passion at a high level while simultaneously working toward an internationally recognized degree, safeguarding your future.

Why College Soccer is so Special:

Campus Hype & Team Spirit: Represent your university in front of up to thousands of cheering fans in every game you play. Your team becomes your family as you battle together under the stadium lights, chasing the dream of a national championship.
A Global Network: Build lifelong friendships and connect with people from across the globe, opening doors to international career opportunities.
Personal Growth: Thrive in a unique environment that builds resilience, character, and the professional discipline that will define your success for years to come.

For the most talented, college soccer serves as a strategic stepping stone: over 70 players are drafted into the MLS SuperDraft every year and more than 90% of players on the U.S. Women's National Team roster used to play in college, proving that it is a viable route to the professional game. College Soccer opens doors for your future career, whether in soccer or the corporate world.

Combination

Train daily at a high level while earning an internationally recognized degree.

Funding

Academic and athletic scholarships cover tuition and living costs.

Career

Your degree and college experience open doors worldwide and are highly valued by employers.

Make it to The Next Level

Maximize your soccer potential and use college soccer as a stepping stone to make it to the pros.

Hear From Our Athletes

Read what our athletes have to say about their experiences with us.

Working with Smarthlete was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The entire process was smooth, professional, and stress-free. I always felt supported - Ben was there for me 24/7, answering every question and guiding me through every step. Thanks to Smarthlete, I’m now living my dream of playing college soccer in the U.S. in Los Angeles. I truly couldn’t have done it without them!

Fabio Jäger

Westcliff University, NAIA

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Scholarships

We have already secured more than $23 million in scholarships for our athletes – and counting.

International

Over the years, we have helped thousands of athletes worldwide find the perfect university and the right scholarship in the USA. Currently, more than 400 former Smarthlete clients are studying at colleges across the United States.

Client Satisfaction

We support athletes and families personally, closely, and transparently – reflected in a 95% satisfaction rate.

Meet Our Soccer Players in The U.S.

Our players currently in college have turned their dream of playing college soccer in the U.S. into reality. With hundreds already placed at top universities, our athletes' stories and successes show what’s possible with the right support.

Madara Matrevica

Florida Gulf Coast University

NCAA DI

Raitis Bomis

Lewis & Clark Community College

NJCAA DI

Fabio Jäger

Westcliff University

NAIA

Success Stories

Official Partnership: SV Ried & Smarthlete

SV Ried is a prominent professional soccer club with the first team competing in the Austrian Bundesliga and the youth academy playing at the highest youth level in Austria. We are extremely happy to contribute to the future development of young soccer players.

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This is What College Soccer is All About

Discover what it really means to live and play in the U.S. - this could be your journey next.

Day in The Life

College Soccer Passion

Interview with Madara Matrevica

U.S. College Soccer

What Does a Day in The Life of a College Soccer Player Look Like?

Depending on the time of the year, most college soccer players start their day with morning practice, which means getting up early. These practices might include strength and conditioning workouts in the gym and typically last around an hour. After the early workout or practice, players go to the cafeteria to eat breakfast, followed by classes, usually between 8:00 a.m. and noon. After that, it’s lunch time together in the dining hall with their teammates or other friends.

Most teams typically have a 2 hour practice session in the afternoon. This is often the primary training session of the day. Practice is often followed by a video analysis to review past performances or prepare for an upcoming game. If not in practice, players may use this time for additional classes, attending labs, or study hall. Student athletes can also be scheduled for ice baths, stretching, or physical therapy to prevent injuries and recover after training.

In the evening there is plenty of time to do homework, relax, and socialize. While you have a meal plan in college, you will most certainly also go out for dinner at times and find some other fun things to do with your friends.

What Does The Recruiting Timeline & College Soccer Season Look Like?

Recruiting Timeline

The college soccer recruiting process is highly competitive and requires early preparation. Coaches at top programs begin evaluating players well in advance, often securing commitments from their strongest prospects up to two years before enrollment. That’s why we strongly recommend starting your recruiting journey 18 to 24 months before your intended college start date.

Beginning early gives you the chance to connect with coaches, film updated game footage (highlights and full matches), complete all eligibility steps, and receive offers before roster spots and scholarship budgets fill up. While it’s still possible to start later, many of the best opportunities may already be taken - so getting ahead is the best way to keep your options open and secure the right fit.

College Soccer Season

The official College Soccer Season is concentrated entirely in the Fall semester, running intensely from August through the national championships in December. This period is dedicated to fierce competition, with teams typically playing one to two matches per week. The fall season is demanding, requiring total focus on fitness, team tactics, and winning conference games. For recruits, the level of play and the intense travel schedule during this time underscore the commitment required to be a collegiate student-athlete.

Following the official season, the spring follows, which is dedicated to intense training and skill development. This period, which includes spring exhibition games, is crucial for players to refine their technique, increase their conditioning, and earn playing time for the following fall. The cycle demonstrates that college soccer is a full-year commitment, ensuring athletes continuously develop at an elite level.

How High a Soccer Scholarship Can I Get?

The amount of college soccer scholarship you can receive depends on several factors - most importantly your tennis level, the division or association you’re targeting (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, or Junior College), and the specific college or university you aim to join.

Full-Ride Scholarships

A full-ride soccer scholarship covers tuition and fees, housing, meal plan, books, and sometimes even travel or personal expenses. This is the highest level of scholarship support available. Only a small number of players receive full rides each year, typically top-ranked international or national-level players competing for major NCAA Division I or elite NAIA programs.

Partial Scholarships

Most college soccer players receive partial scholarships, which cover a portion of total college costs (for example, part of tuition or housing). Coaches often divide their total scholarship budget among multiple players to build a strong overall team, meaning that performance and potential both play key roles in determining how much aid you receive.

Academic and Additional Financial Aid

Many colleges also offer academic scholarships and need-based financial aid. In many cases, these can be combined with athletic scholarships to significantly lower your total cost of attendance. Strong grades and test scores can make a big difference and academically successful players are often more attractive to coaches and more likely to receive additional financial support.