Question 1

Understanding what is a scholarship?

Accepted Answer

A scholarship provides financial support to students who excel both in their sport and academically. It helps reduce tuition costs and enables colleges to offer financial assistance to student-athletes who have demonstrated the talent and commitment necessary to compete at the collegiate level.

Question 2

Can International Students Receive Scholarships in the USA?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, many international students in the USA benefit from sports scholarships. In fact, international players make up around 16% of NCAA Division I soccer teams on average.

Question 3

What Are the Scholarship Opportunities for Men's Soccer?

Accepted Answer

In 2019, around 1,410 colleges in the U.S. had men’s soccer teams, offering various scholarship opportunities across different divisions. Here's a breakdown:

NCAA Division I: 205 colleges provide up to 9.9 scholarships per team, with an average roster of 29 players.
NCAA Division II: 214 colleges offer up to 9 scholarships per team, with an average roster size of 31 players.
NCAA Division III: 415 colleges do not offer athletic scholarships, with an average roster of 29 players.
NAIA: 188 colleges offer up to 12 scholarships per team, with an average roster size of 30 players.
NJCAA (Junior College): 217 colleges offer up to 18 scholarships per team, with an average roster size of 19 players.

Question 4

What Are the Scholarship Opportunities for Women's Soccer?

Accepted Answer

In 2019, about 1,571 colleges in the U.S. had women’s soccer teams, offering a range of scholarship opportunities across various divisions. Here's a breakdown:

NCAA Division I: 333 colleges provide up to 13 scholarships per team, with an average roster of 28 players.
NCAA Division II: 265 colleges offer up to 9.9 scholarships per team, with an average roster size of 27 players.
NCAA Division III: 441 colleges do not offer athletic scholarships, with an average roster of 25 players.
NAIA: 188 colleges offer up to 12 scholarships per team, with an average roster size of 25 players.
Junior College: 181 colleges offer up to 18 scholarships per team, with an average roster size of 19 players.

Question 5

What does a full-ride scholarship cover?

Accepted Answer

A full-ride scholarship covers all expenses related to attending college, including (but not limited to) tuition, room and board, textbooks, insurance, and fees. However, it does not include travel costs, so students will need to cover their own transportation to and from the college.

Question 6

How common are full-ride scholarships?

Accepted Answer

Full-ride scholarships are rare and typically require outstanding athletic and academic performance. Recent data reveals that only 0.2% of college students receive $25,000 or more in scholarships annually.

Question 7

How many college soccer teams exist?

Accepted Answer

In 2019, there were 1,710 colleges in the USA with soccer programs: 1,443 for men and 1,614 for women. Note that not every institution has both men's and women's teams.

Question 8

Am I eligible for a scholarship in the USA?

Accepted Answer

If you're between 15 and 21, have no criminal record, and have competed in your sport at a school, county, academy, district, or national level, you may be eligible for a scholarship in the USA. To find out for sure, complete our application form [here], and we'll provide a definitive answer within 48 hours.

Question 9

What are the additional costs involved?

Accepted Answer

There are associated fees with the process that are beyond SSU's control. These include:

SAT Test: $52 registration + $49 international fee (if outside the USA)
TOEFL Test: $160-$275, depending on your location
Duolingo Test: $49 (if you're from a country where English is not the first language)
NCAA/NAIA Eligibility Center: $135 (If you plan on playing NCAA DI, D2 or NAIA)
F1-Student Visa: $160 + DS-160 form fee (varies by location)
Insurance: Approximately $380 for 12 months (if not covered by your scholarship)

If you’re from an English-speaking country and your insurance is included in your scholarship, expect to pay around $500 on average. Please note that fees can vary based on several factors.

Question 10

How much paperwork is required before going to the USA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, managing paperwork and deadlines can be challenging. Missing deadlines can be costly, but with SSU, you don’t need to worry. We help with all the paperwork and ensure every form is completed on time, reducing your stress and making the process smoother.

Question 11

What are the next steps after receiving a scholarship offer?

Accepted Answer

If you decide to accept the scholarship, you’ll need to apply to the school and wait for acceptance. You’ll also need to provide proof of financial support, such as a bank statement, to confirm you can cover any additional costs not covered by the scholarship. Once accepted, you'll receive an I-20 form, which you’ll use to apply for an F-1 student visa and schedule an interview with the US embassy.

If you choose to decline the scholarship, you can either negotiate with the school for a better offer or move on to other opportunities. Your SSU recruitment consultant will guide you through your options and help you make the best decision.

Question 12

How can I speed up the process?

Accepted Answer

To streamline the process, start by preparing a comprehensive CV detailing your position, current and past clubs, appearances, goals, assists, and clean sheets. You don't need a highlight video, as we put that together professionally for you, all you would need is two to three full-length games, which we’ll use to create your professional highlight reel. Additionally, secure references from a teacher and a coach. These references will provide valuable insights into your academic and athletic abilities and help accelerate your communication with coaches.

Question 13

What is the level of competition in the USA?

Accepted Answer

The level of college soccer in the USA is exceptionally high and has seen significant growth over the past two decades. The talent developed at this level often transitions into professional leagues such as Major League Soccer (MLS), the Canadian Premier League, and European leagues.

NCAA Division I is recognised as the top tier of college soccer, with teams often competing against Premier League U23 academies in exhibition matches, showing a high level of competitiveness. However, NCAA Division II, NAIA, and NJCAA schools also have strong teams that can challenge mid-level NCAA Division I programs. It’s important to note that NCAA Division I isn’t always the definitive measure of the highest quality.

Here are some notable players who have transitioned from college soccer to professional leagues around the world:

Zack Steffen (University of Maryland) – Manchester City (EPL, England)
Lucy Bronze (University of North Carolina) – Olympique Lyonnais (Feminine Division 1, France)
DeAndre Yedlin (University of Akron) – Newcastle United (EPL, England)
Jack Harrison (Wake Forest University) – Manchester City (EPL, England)
Bunny Shaw (Eastern Florida State College) – Manchester City (Women's Super League, England)
Molly Sharp (Barry University) – Crystal Palace (Women's Super League, England)
Shanade Hopcroft (University of Colorado Boulder) – Crystal Palace (Women's Super League, England)
Andrew Gutman (Indiana University) – Celtic FC (SPL, Scotland)
Aaron Molloy (Penn State University) – Portland Timbers (MLS, USA)
Dom Dwyer (University of South Florida) – Orlando City (MLS, USA)
Danny Elliot (Hofstra University) – Port Vale FC (League 2, England)
Matt Polster (SIU Edwardsville) – Rangers FC (SPL, Scotland)
Cyle Larin (UConn) – Besiktas JK (Super Lig, Turkey)
Megan Connolly (Florida State University) – Brighton & Hove Albion (Women's Super League, England)
Alana Cook (Stanford University) – PSG (Feminine Division 1, France)
Uchenna Kanu (Southeastern University) – Linköpings FC (Dams Allsvenskan, Sweden)
Duncan Turnbull (University of Notre Dame) – Portsmouth (League 1, England)
Lorne Bickley (Wilmington University) – Hartlepool United (Conference National, England)
Manny Perez (North Carolina State University) – Celtic FC (SPL, Scotland)
Simon Lefebvre (Temple University) – D.C. United (MLS, USA)
Josiah Benjamin (University of San Diego) – San Diego 1904 (NISA, USA)
Lewis Brass (East Central College) – Connah's Quay Nomads (Welsh Premier League, Wales)

This list highlights the diverse opportunities and the high level of competition available at college soccer in the USA.

Question 14

Is there any time off during the semester?

Accepted Answer

During the Fall semester, you'll be "in season," which means you'll continue training even during the Fall Break, a one-week vacation for non-athlete students. However, in the Spring semester, you'll have Spring Break, offering a chance to travel and relax. Popular destinations might include cities like Orlando, New York, or even a getaway to Mexico if you and your friends choose.

Question 15

How do you travel for away games?

Accepted Answer

Travel arrangements differ by school. Typically, teams use a large coach for most away games. For longer distances, flying may be an option. If your team advances to the national tournament, which is held at a neutral location, you’ll likely fly to the event.

Question 16

Who covers the travel expenses?

Accepted Answer

The university covers all travel expenses for team-related activities, including transportation, meals, snacks, and hotel stays for overnight matches. You’ll only need to pay for personal travel, such as flights to and from the USA and any vacation travel during breaks.

Question 17

Can I transfer if I’m unhappy with my school?

Accepted Answer

Yes, transferring schools is possible. Be aware of the transfer rules and consult your recruitment advisor if you're considering it. You are allowed one transfer without penalty, known as a 'waiver.' However, if you transfer a second time, you may face a penalty of sitting out for one year. Additionally, you cannot transfer to a school within the same conference without automatically sitting out for a year. This means you would attend the new school but not participate in matches for one year.

Question 18

How challenging are tests in the USA?

Accepted Answer

Tests in the USA are often multiple-choice, and you'll usually receive a study guide that covers most of the material. With some focused revision, you can achieve high scores and work towards a 4.0 GPA.

Question 19

What does GPA stand for?

Accepted Answer

GPA stands for 'Grade Point Average,' and it reflects your average score across all subjects in a semester, on a 4.0 scale. A 4.0 GPA represents straight A’s, while a 3.0 GPA reflects mostly B’s. To play college sports, you typically need to maintain a GPA above 2.0, though many schools set their own standard around 2.5. Attending classes and completing assignments should help you easily keep your GPA above 3.0.

Question 20

Where do I sign up for a Soccer Showcase day?

Accepted Answer

Click the link below to sign up now!
http://www.sportscholarshipusa.com/soccer-trial-form

Question 21

How much does the Soccer Showcase cost?

Accepted Answer

All our events such as the Soccer Showcases are completely free. So sign up today!

Question 22

What does Sport Scholarship USA do?

Accepted Answer

Sport Scholarship USA is a leading consultancy that helps athletes pursue their dreams of playing sports at American universities on scholarships. We provide comprehensive services to guide athletes through the process of securing scholarships, including identifying suitable universities, connecting with college coaches, navigating the admissions process, and optimising scholarship opportunities. Our team of experienced professionals leverages their expertise and extensive network in the sports and education industry to support athletes in achieving their goals. We are committed to providing personalised guidance, empowering athletes to excel both academically and athletically, and making their dreams of playing sports in the USA a reality.

Question 23

Has your question not been answered?

Accepted Answer

Send us an email with your question to info@sportscholarshipusa.com and we'll do our best to get back to you within 48 hours.

faq

"THE MOMENT YOU GIVE UP IS THE MOMENT YOU LET SOMEONE ELSE WIN"

- Kobe Bryant

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding what is a scholarship?

Can International Students Receive Scholarships in the USA?

What Are the Scholarship Opportunities for Men's Soccer?

What Are the Scholarship Opportunities for Women's Soccer?

What does a full-ride scholarship cover?

How common are full-ride scholarships?

How many college soccer teams exist?

Am I eligible for a scholarship in the USA?

What are the additional costs involved?

How much paperwork is required before going to the USA?

What are the next steps after receiving a scholarship offer?

How can I speed up the process?

What is the level of competition in the USA?

Is there any time off during the semester?

How do you travel for away games?

Who covers the travel expenses?

Can I transfer if I’m unhappy with my school?

How challenging are tests in the USA?

What does GPA stand for?

Where do I sign up for a Soccer Showcase day?

How much does the Soccer Showcase cost?

What does Sport Scholarship USA do?

Has your question not been answered?

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