NCAA Division I Soccer Programs and Recruiting (2027)

Frequently asked questions

How many NCAA Division I soccer programs are there?

There are 561 NCAA Division I college soccer programs in our data: 213 men's programs and 348 women's programs.

Do NCAA Division I soccer programs give athletic scholarships?

NCAA Division I programs can offer athletic scholarships. Soccer is an equivalency sport, so as of the 2025-26 rules coaches split their available athletic aid across the roster rather than giving every player a full award, and the total each program can offer varies by school. Most Division I soccer players combine a partial athletic award with academic or need based aid.

How many conferences and states have NCAA Division I soccer?

NCAA Division I soccer programs compete in 34 conferences across 49 states. California has the most with 48 programs.

When does NCAA Division I soccer recruiting start?

Division I recruiting starts earliest and moves fastest. As of the 2025-26 rules, Division I coaches may not begin recruiting communication with a player until June 15 after the player's sophomore year, and many rosters for a class are largely settled by the end of junior year. Coaches evaluate at club showcases, ID camps and through video, and rosters increasingly include transfers and international players.

Is NCAA Division I the right level for my player?

Division I fits players who are already starting at a high level club team, can commit to a near year round training schedule and are comfortable competing for playing time against transfers and international recruits. Academic standards, roster size and playing time vary widely between the 200 plus schools that sponsor soccer, so compare programs rather than the label.

How many NCAA Division I soccer programs are ranked?

524 of the 561 NCAA Division I programs in our data carry a Massey Ratings rank. Each program page shows its rank within its division and gender and the competitiveness tier derived from it.