So You Want To Play College Soccer? -Breaking Down D1 Scholarships - From 28 Full Rides to Less Than 14!

9 Life Lessons Hacks That You Can Apply To College Recruiting!

June 15, 2025

In Today’s Daily Edition

Welcome to our essential daily blog series on college recruitment! Whether you're just beginning your journey or are already deep into the process, this series is designed with you in mind. We'll delve into crucial topics like crafting an impressive highlight video, developing a strategic college list, and mastering the art of securing scholarships. Regardless of where you stand, our series is filled with essential tips and guidance to propel you towards success. Join us every day as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

  • Breaking Down D1 Scholarships - From 28 Full Rides to Less Than 14!

  • 9 Life Lessons Hacks That You Can Apply To College Recruiting!

  • Sign up for "So You Want to Play College Soccer Daily"

Breaking Down D1 Scholarships - From 28 Full Rides to Less Than 14!

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the NCAA settlement and the ability to offer 28 full athletic scholarships. However, the number of schools that can actually provide that amount is small, limited to a select few Power 4 programs. To shed light on this complex topic, we came across an insightful article on X by @imyouthsoccer that explains the 7 distinct school levels when it comes to athletic scholarships.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the article and what you can expect across various D1 programs:

Power 4 Programs

28 Full Scholarships

A select few schools, such as Texas and Tennessee, are fully funded enough to offer full athletic scholarships to every player. This gives these programs a significant recruiting edge, as they can promise all their athletes a full ride.

28 Combined Scholarships

Some programs strategically combine athletic scholarships with academic funding to create full scholarships for their players. This creative approach allows them to compete with the best-funded schools despite potentially limited resources.

More Than 14, Less Than 28

This is where many programs land. They distribute their scholarships unevenly, reserving full rides for top players while others receive partial or no aid. The level of support varies widely within this group.

14-17 Scholarships

Programs with tighter budgets have no choice but to stretch their limited scholarships thin. This puts them at a recruiting disadvantage, as they can’t match the attractive offers of better-funded schools.

Mid-Major Programs

More Than 14 Scholarships

Though rare, some mid-major programs successfully exceed the minimum scholarship standard, offering as many as 20. These programs can attract stronger talent and improve their recruiting efforts significantly.

14 Scholarships

Most mid-major programs operate with 14 scholarships, the standard set by the NCAA. Coaches often have to distribute funding creatively to make the most of this allocation.

Less Than 14 Scholarships

At the lower end, some mid-major programs struggle to compete due to limited scholarship funding. Coaches in these programs often rely heavily on academic aid and other resources to support their athletes.

Key Takeaway

Not all D1 programs are created equal. Scholarship availability varies widely, and for most athletes, higher offers often come with expectations for immediate impact on the field. Understanding the differences in funding and the nuances between Power 4 and mid-major programs can help athletes and their families make informed decisions during the recruiting process.

Navigating the college soccer recruiting landscape can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect at different D1 levels is the first step to ensuring your goals align with the opportunities available.

9 Life Lessons Hacks That You Can Apply To College Recruiting!


✅ Preparation is everything.
⚽ Research schools, understand program expectations, and have a highlight reel ready to showcase your best.

✅ First impressions matter.
⚽ A strong, polished initial email or conversation can make a lasting impact on coaches.

✅ Consistency builds trust.
⚽ Follow up regularly to show your commitment and reliability throughout the process.

✅ You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
⚽ Reach out to dream schools and attend showcases—even a long shot can create opportunities.

✅ Resilience wins in the long run.
⚽ Bounce back from rejections and use every setback as motivation to improve.

✅ Adaptability is a superpower.
⚽ Adjust to feedback, pivot when needed, and stay open to unexpected opportunities.

✅ Timing is everything.
⚽ Know when to email coaches, follow up, and attend showcases to maximize your visibility.

✅ Confidence opens doors.
⚽ Believe in your abilities and showcase them authentically to impress coaches.

✅ The little things matter.
⚽ Send thank-you notes and email updates to demonstrate professionalism and genuine interest.

By living these lessons, you’ll transform your recruiting process into an opportunity not just for success in soccer, but for growing as a person!

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About: Steve Coxon College Soccer Network

Steve has 20 years of college-level experience, 17+ years in D1 as the Head Recruiter. He has facilitated more than $30 million in college scholarships.

Location - Connecticut, USA