College soccer in the U.S. is extremely popular with both players and spectators, making choosing the right college program an important decision for student-athletes. It is a structured system with three main divisions under the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), as well as other governing bodies like the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). Selecting the right school requires a delicate balance between academics, athletic development, and long-term personal growth.

With that in mind, this is our guide to the top 10 soccer colleges in the U.S., how to choose the right one for you, and how to make a competitive application.

Don't forget that the quality of a player's gear also plays a role in their development, with elite players often relying on performance-enhancing apparel from brands like Storelli.com, which is known for cutting-edge soccer protection and apparel.

Superlative Rankings: Best Soccer Colleges by Category

• Best Overall Soccer Program: Stanford University
• Top Academic + Athletic Balance: Duke University
• Best Pathway to the Pros: Wake Forest University
• Most Affordable Elite Program: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Top Division III Soccer School: Amherst College
• Best Small College Soccer Program: Williams College
• Top Soccer Program in California: UCLA
• Best College Soccer Experience: Indiana University Bloomington
• Most Prestigious Soccer Brand: University of Virginia
• Best Midwest Program: University of Notre Dame

How to Choose the Right Soccer College

Match Athletic Ambitions with Division Levels

The NCAA is divided into three divisions, each offering a unique experience.

• Division I – Requires an intense commitment with a year-round schedule and often has the highest visibility for professional scouting.
• Division II – Also highly competitive but provides a more balanced approach between academics and athletics.
• Division III – Prioritizes the academic experience, offering a high level of play without the demands of athletic scholarships.

Consider Financial Aid & Costs

When evaluating schools, it's crucial to look beyond the sticker price. Private schools often have higher tuition, but they may offer generous financial aid packages that bring the average cost after aid closer to that of a public institution.

Check Graduation Rates & Academic Prestige

A strong academic reputation and a good support system for student-athletes are critical. You should look for schools with high graduation success rates (GSRs) for their athletes, which indicate that the school successfully prepares its players for a life beyond the field.

Campus Culture & Program Philosophy

Consider the coaching staff, the quality of the training facilities, and the school's geographic location. The best fit is a school where the campus culture and program philosophy align with your personal goals and values.

Top 10 Soccer Colleges: Profiles and Comparison

1. Stanford University (D1)

As well as offering elite academics, both the men’s and women’s teams have dominated college soccer over the last decade, largely thanks to their world-class training facilities.

The men's soccer program has been a leader on the national stage since 1973. Between 1997 and 2019, they made the NCAA DI men’s tournament 14 times in a 23-season period. The Cardinal won back-to-back-to-back NCAA men's soccer championships in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

The women's Cardinal team has amassed three national championship titles, winning the championship in 2011, 2017, and 2019. They are currently the fourth-best team in the country according to the United Soccer Coaches’ poll, with 29 former Cardinal women players in pro leagues around the world.

• Avg. Cost After Aid: $7,200
• GSR: 98%
• Pros: National champions, world-class training facilities, elite academics
• Cons: Extremely competitive admissions

2. Duke University (D1)

Duke University is also well-known for its exceptional blend of academics and sports. The men's soccer program is a strong Division I program within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The team has a history of success, including winning the NCAA men's soccer tournament in 1986 and producing multiple Hermann Trophy winners. Head coach John Kerr has led the team for 16 seasons, maintaining a consistent winning record and emphasizing a player-driven culture.

While the Blue Devils women’s soccer squad has never won a national championship title, they finished the 2024 season as the third-highest-ranked team according to the United Soccer Coaches’ poll, and they consistently make deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Their alumni networks are particularly strong for opening opportunities.

• Avg. Cost After Aid: $11,080
• GSR: 97%
• Pros: Exceptional blend of academics and sports, strong alumni network
• Cons: Higher tuition pre-aid, limited scholarships

3. Wake Forest University (D1)

The women's Demon Deacons are considered one of the best teams in the country, having finished the 2024 season as the second-highest-ranked team in women’s soccer. The men's soccer team won a national title in 2007, and they’re consistently among the best teams in the sport. They finished the 2024 season ranked sixth in the United Soccer Coaches’ poll.

The university has modern facilities and a proven success rate in opening doors. Wake Forest University had four players selected in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft: Travis Smith Jr., Bo Cummins, Trace Alphin, and Liam O'Gara.

• Avg. Cost After Aid: $13,259
• GSR: 96%
• Pros: Top MLS draft picks, modern facilities
• Cons: Smaller school feel may not suit everyone

4. UNC Chapel Hill (D1)

The women's team is far and away the best in the country, as they have never failed to qualify for the NCAA Division I tournament. They have won the national championship a total of 22 times, making them one of the most dominant college teams ever. The list of players who have gone on to play professionally includes all-time greats Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly.

The men’s team has won two national titles in 2001 and 2011, since they were founded in 1947. Overall, the school has a strong academic reputation while still being affordable for in-state students.

• Avg. Cost After Aid: $11,627
• GSR: 93%
• Pros: Affordability for in-state students, strong academic reputation
• Cons: High competition for roster spots

5. Amherst College (D3)

Amherst College has a highly successful NCAA men's soccer Division III program, known for its strong performance in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) conference and its recent national championship win in 2024. The program, led by head coach Justin Serpone, has a history of deep NCAA tournament runs and consistent success, including winning the national championship in 2015 as well. The program emphasizes a culture of hard work, unselfishness, and strong team bonds as part of its liberal arts education. It also boasts a fast-developing women's team and a strong alumni base.

• Avg. Cost After Aid: $5,084
• GSR: 95%
• Pros: Elite liberal arts education, top D3 team, strong alumni base
• Cons: No athletic scholarships, smaller athletics budget

6. UCLA (D1)

A prestigious school with a popular West Coast lifestyle and exposure, it attracts many student-athletes thanks to its legacy of pro players.

The men’s soccer team has amassed four national titles, winning its first championship in 1985 and its most recent in 2002. The UCLA Bruins women are one of the most consistent teams in the D1 league, winning the national championship in 2013 and 2022, and finishing runner-up four times.

• Avg. Cost After Aid: $14,851
• GSR: 91%
• Pros: West Coast exposure, legacy of pro players
• Cons: High cost of living

7. Williams College (D3)

Williams College soccer is a highly competitive NCAA Division III program within the NESCAC. Both the men's and women's teams are known for their strong traditions, dedication to player well-being, and commitment to both individual and team success. While athletic scholarships are not offered, the college provides need-based and academic scholarships for student-athletes.

• Avg. Cost After Aid: $17,304
• GSR: 94%
• Pros: Small class sizes, strong D3 competition
• Cons: Rural location

8. University of Notre Dame (D1)

The Notre Dame women’s soccer squad finished the 2024 college soccer season in sixth place in the United Soccer Coaches’ poll, and they’re a consistent contender for the national title. The women Fighting Irish are three-time national champs, and they’ve finished runner-up another five times. The men's soccer team won the national championship in 2013 and has made 24 appearances in the NCAA Division I tournament.

• Avg. Cost After Aid: $16,341
• GSR: 99%
• Pros: Strong Catholic tradition, consistent NCAA tournament team
• Cons: Higher cost and traditional campus structure

9. Indiana University Bloomington (D1)

The Hoosiers men’s soccer program has won a total of eight national titles, the most recent of which came in 2012. In 2017, 2020, and 2022, the Hoosiers finished runners-up in the NCAA Division I tournament. The team has a huge fanbase and plays in the Big Ten Conference, which promotes player exposure. The women's program is also competitive, and the school offers athletic scholarships alongside need-based and academic scholarships.

• Avg. Cost After Aid: $13,263
• GSR: 92%
• Pros: Soccer legacy, huge fan base, Big Ten exposure
• Cons: Large campus may feel overwhelming

10. University of Virginia (D1)

The University of Virginia men’s Cavaliers have won seven national titles, including four in a row between 1991 and 1994. Their most recent championship came in 2014, and they finished runners-up in 2019. Numerous Cavaliers have played, or a currently playing, at a professional level, including Daryl Dike and Alex Rando. The women's team is also competitive. Recent success includes multiple Sweet Sixteen appearances in the NCAA tournament and several undefeated ACC seasons in the past five years

• Avg. Cost After Aid: $15,240
• GSR: 96%
• Pros: Historic soccer program, ACC competition
• Cons: Limited roster spots due to elite talent pool

Tips for Getting Recruited

Start Early

The recruitment process begins earlier than most think. It is crucial to start showcasing your skills and maintaining strong academics during your freshman and sophomore years of high school.

Help yourself get ahead by investing in gear that boosts performance and minimizes the chances that you will be sidelined by injury, such as soccer sliding shorts and goalkeeper leggings. If you are starting early, Storelli also has youth soccer sliding shorts and youth soccer goalie pants.

Showcase Yourself

To get noticed, participate in college ID camps and tournaments. You should also create and send out highlight reels that demonstrate your skills and game intelligence.

Using quality gear from Storelli.com can help you perform better and stand out during these important showcases and tryouts. If you are a goalie, you can find the best goalkeeper gloves and soccer goalie equipment at Storelli.

Contact Coaches Strategically

Be proactive by writing professional recruiting emails. These emails should include your key stats, such as your GPA, SAT scores, and a link to your highlight reel. Be specific about your interest in their college soccer program to show genuine enthusiasm.

Start Your College Soccer Journey

If you are at the start of planning your college soccer journey, there are many things to consider when choosing the best path forward. Remember that when it comes to choosing a college for soccer, fit matters more than prestige. It's important to select a school that not only aligns with your athletic goals but also sets you up for a successful life beyond the field.

Your preparation, including using the right protective gear, goes a long way. Many rising players choose to gear up at Storelli.com to ensure they are fully protected and ready for the next level.

FAQs

What's the best college to go to for soccer?

The "best" college is subjective and depends on a player's individual needs. It's a combination of a school's academic reputation, athletic division, coaching staff, and overall campus culture. The right school is the one that best fits your personal and professional goals.

Which college in the US has the best soccer team?

In terms of historic success and reputation, programs like Stanford University and Indiana University are often cited as having some of the best teams. However, the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Polls rank teams based on recent performance, with schools like the University of Vermont, Marshall University, and Ohio State University topping the 2025 top 25 men's soccer rankings.

How many NCAA Division 1 soccer colleges are there?

There are over 200 men's and over 300 women's NCAA Division I soccer programs in the United States, offering a wide range of opportunities for student-athletes.

Is it hard to get into D1 soccer?

Yes, it is very difficult. Division I is the highest level of competition, and programs are highly selective. It requires not only exceptional athletic talent but also strong academics, a relentless work ethic, and a strategic approach to the recruiting process.