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The Facts About Men's College Soccer
In the landscape of collegiate men's soccer in the United States, there exists a diverse array of programs across various divisions, each offering unique opportunities and challenges for aspiring athletes.
In the realm of Division I men's soccer, there are 205 programs, each equipped with 9.9 scholarships, though many players do not receive athletic scholarships. Notably, approximately 37% of Division I players are recruited internationally.
Division II boasts 202 men's soccer programs with 9 scholarships per team. Division II schools often offer a less rigorous academic profile, allowing student-athletes to balance their athletic pursuits with other interests. Around 22% of Division II players are recruited from outside the United States.
In Division III, 408 programs thrive without athletic scholarships. These institutions, characterized by high academic standards, offer student-athletes the chance to excel both academically and athletically. Division III athletes have more flexibility to explore diverse interests beyond their sport. The international player percentage in Division III is notably lower compared to other divisions.
Junior Colleges (JUCO) present a pathway for aspiring collegiate athletes with 217 men's soccer programs offering up to 18 scholarships. JUCO programs serve as a stepping stone for many future Division I and Division II athletes, providing opportunities to refine skills and compete against collegiate-level opponents.
Participation in collegiate men's soccer is highly competitive. Merely 5.7% of male high school soccer players transition to college soccer. In the 2022 academic year, out of 454,324 male high school soccer players in the United States, only 44,259 continued to play soccer at the collegiate level. Thus, playing collegiate soccer at any level is a remarkable achievement.