NAIA College Soccer: The Overlooked Opportunity

When families think about college soccer, they focus on NCAA D1, D2, and D3. The NAIA is often ignored, and that is a mistake.

What is the NAIA?

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is a separate governing body from the NCAA. It includes approximately 250 member schools across the United States.

Why Consider NAIA?

Scholarships. NAIA soccer programs can offer up to 12 scholarships per team. This is more per team than NCAA D1 men's soccer (9.9) and D2 (9). Scholarship dollars stretch further.

Less red tape. NAIA recruiting rules are less restrictive than NCAA. Coaches can contact you earlier and more freely.

International friendly. NAIA schools are experienced with international recruits and have streamlined processes for foreign student athletes.

Competitive level. Top NAIA programs are highly competitive. Some would compete with NCAA D2 and even D1 programs.

Smaller schools, personal attention. NAIA schools are typically smaller, meaning more individual attention from coaches, professors, and support staff.

Top NAIA Soccer Programs

• Lindsey Wilson College
• Westmont College
• Concordia University (various locations)
• Rio Grande University
• Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

NAIA Eligibility Requirements

NAIA eligibility is simpler than NCAA. You must meet two of three criteria:

• 2.0 GPA
• 18 ACT or 970 SAT
• Top half of your graduating class

Financial Considerations

NAIA schools are often less expensive than NCAA schools, and the scholarship packages can be generous. For many families, NAIA provides the best value for competitive college soccer.

FieldVision AI NAIA Coverage

FieldVision AI includes NAIA programs in our matching algorithm. Many families discover that their best fit school is an NAIA program they had never heard of. Our AI shows you every option, not just the ones with name recognition.