So You Want To Play College Soccer? - The Dual Threat: Combining Athletic and Academic Scholarships!

81 female athletes have recently committed to 33 North East colleges for the class of 2027

September 14, 2025

Welcome to our essential weekly 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 week as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

In Today’s Edition

  • The Dual Threat: Combining Athletic and Academic Scholarships!

  • Stop Wasting Time and Money on the Wrong Schools! What’s your CSN Score?

The Dual Threat: Combining Athletic and Academic Scholarships!

The Perfect Combo: Leveraging Scholarships in Recruiting

For aspiring college soccer players, the dream of playing at the next level often comes with a practical need: funding your education. While athletic scholarships grab the headlines, academic scholarships can be just as crucial. By strategically combining these two funding sources, you can significantly reduce your financial burden and open up more opportunities to play the game you love.

This guide will walk you through how to leverage both athletic and academic scholarships to create a winning recruitment strategy.

Understanding the Scholarship Landscape

Before building your strategy, it’s important to know the difference between the two main types of scholarships available to student-athletes.

Academic Scholarships: Your Reliable Foundation

Academic scholarships are awarded based on your performance in the classroom. This typically includes your GPA and standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT), though some schools may also require essays or a list of extracurricular activities.

These scholarships are predictable and often renewable, making them a stable source of funding throughout your college career. As long as you maintain the required academic standing, this money is yours, regardless of your performance on the field.

Athletic Scholarships: Performance-Based Awards

Athletic scholarships are awarded based on your talent and potential as a soccer player. The criteria can vary greatly depending on the coach, school division, and the specific needs of the soccer program. Unlike academic awards, these are often partial and are typically renewed on a year-to-year basis.

It's also critical to know that NCAA Division III schools are not permitted to offer athletic scholarships. However, many DIII schools compensate by offering generous academic scholarships and need-based financial aid. If you are targeting a Division III program, a strong academic record is your most powerful tool for making college affordable.

The Benefits of a Combined Scholarship Strategy

Pairing athletic and academic scholarships offers major advantages for both you and the college programs you are interested in.

For the Athlete: Financial Stability and Security

For student-athletes, securing both types of aid means lower out-of-pocket costs. Full-ride athletic scholarships are rare in soccer, as the NCAA limits the number of scholarships each team can distribute. Partial scholarships are much more common. By adding an academic scholarship to a partial athletic one, you can cover a larger portion of your expenses.

This approach also adds a layer of financial security. Academic scholarships are not affected by injuries, playing time, or changes in the coaching staff, giving you a reliable funding source to fall back on.

For the Coach: A Welcome Budget Boost

From a coach's perspective, a recruit with a strong academic record is a huge asset. Academic scholarships are funded by the university's general scholarship fund, which is entirely separate from the athletic department's budget.

Most NCAA Division I and II soccer programs have limits on the number of athletic scholarships they can offer. When you bring academic scholarship money to the table, you free up the coach's athletic funds. This allows them to stretch their budget further and build a deeper, more competitive roster.

Example: A recruit who qualifies for a large academic scholarship may only need a small athletic scholarship to commit. This lets the coach save athletic funds for other key recruits, helping the team stay competitive without violating NCAA rules.

Calculating Costs and Long-Term Value

Not all scholarship packages are created equal. It is essential to look beyond the initial offer and understand the true cost of attendance at different schools.

For instance, a scholarship package covering 80% of tuition at an expensive private university might still leave you with a higher bill than a 50% package at a public state school. To make an informed decision, calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and compare the total net cost across your top school choices. This will help you see which combined offer provides the best overall financial value.

You should also consider the long-term sustainability of each award. Academic scholarships usually remain in place as long as you meet a specific GPA requirement. Athletic scholarships, on the other hand, are typically renewed annually and depend on you meeting team expectations.

How Strong Academics Maximize Your Recruitment Potential

Coaches are always looking for players who demonstrate discipline and focus, both on and off the field. A strong GPA and good test scores signal that you can handle the demanding schedule of a student-athlete.

Be sure to highlight your academic achievements in your conversations with coaches. When you can secure academic funding, you become a more attractive and flexible recruit for coaches working with tight budgets. This combination of athletic skill and academic excellence makes you a highly sought-after player in the competitive world of college soccer.

Example: You are a talented forward targeting an NCAA Division II program. Your grades qualify you for a merit-based scholarship that covers 50% of your tuition. Impressed with your skills, the coach offers an athletic scholarship covering another 40%. Together, this package covers 90% of your costs, making that program a much more affordable and appealing option.

Final Thoughts

For soccer players aiming to play in college, a smart scholarship strategy can be a game-changer. By leveraging your achievements in the classroom and on the field, you increase your value to coaches and can build a comprehensive funding package to support your goals.

Start by researching the scholarship requirements at your target schools. Be proactive in your discussions with coaches, admissions staff, and compliance officers to confirm your eligibility. With the right approach, you can unlock the perfect combination of scholarships to make your college soccer dreams a reality.

Get Expert Guidance for Your Soccer Journey

Have more questions about the recruitment process? Don’t tackle them alone. Schedule a free 15-minute Zoom call with Steve who can provide you with personalized support and a clear direction forward.

Join us as we empower you to take charge of your recruitment and turn your dreams into reality

🎯 Stop Wasting Time and Money on the Wrong Schools! What’s your CSN Score?

Your CSN # is the key to understanding which colleges are the perfect fit for your athletic and academic profile. It’s a precise measure that helps identify schools that recruit players with your unique resume and skills.

🚨 81 female athletes have already committed to 33 North East colleges for the class of 2027, with CSN Numbers ranging from 30 to 72. (Schools such as Syracuse, Cornell and Penn State have probably already filled their 2027 rosters!)

We've developed an algorithm that accurately predicts the types of schools that will recruit you based on your personal CSN number and each college’s CSN profile. 

Want to join them? Knowing your CSN # puts you on the path to achieving your college athletics goals and finding a school that values you.

📊 Discover where YOU stand and uncover the best opportunities waiting for you.

The CSN # (College Soccer Network Number) is your personalized recruiting tool to focus your efforts on the right colleges.

Why Get Your CSN?

✅ Target Schools with Laser Focus
Identify colleges that recruit players with similar profiles.

✅ Save Time and Money
Avoid camps and schools that aren’t a fit.

✅ Data-Driven Recruiting
Understand where you stand and what to aim for.

Take Control of Your Journey

Sign up for your CSN # today and focus on schools that match your soccer resume.

👉 Click here to activate your CSN # and start targeting the right schools today! After you purchase, you'll get an email from us requesting a bit of information—once received, we'll send you your personalized number within 24 hours.

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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