For female footballers considering college in the U.S., the odds of securing a soccer scholarship are significantly stronger than for their male counterparts. Not only are there more women’s college soccer teams, but squad sizes are smaller and more scholarships are available per team — increasing both opportunity and potential match time.
NCAA Division I features 333 women’s teams and 205 men’s teams.
NCAA Division II includes 265 women’s teams and 214 men’s teams.
NCAA Division III offers 452 women’s teams and 415 men’s teams.
NAIA supports 202 women’s teams and 188 men’s teams.
Junior Colleges (JUCO) have 181 women’s programs compared to 217 men’s programs.
Women’s programs are not only more numerous — they also receive more scholarship funding per team.
For example, at the NCAA D1 level:
Women’s teams can offer up to 14.0 scholarships per squad of 28 players
Men’s teams can offer up to 9.9 scholarships across 29 players
🔍 This gives female athletes an estimated 50% chance of a full ride, compared to 34% for male athletes.
NCAA Division I programs can offer up to 14 full scholarships per team, with an average squad size of 28 players.
NCAA Division II teams are allowed up to 9.9 scholarships, with an average roster of 27 players.
NCAA Division III does not offer athletic scholarships, and the average squad size is 25.
NAIA schools can allocate up to 12 scholarships, typically fielding teams of around 25 players.
Junior/Two-Year Colleges (JUCO) may offer up to 18 scholarships with a smaller average squad size of 19.
The combination of more teams, greater scholarship availability, and smaller rosters means: A higher chance of receiving a scholarship. More opportunities for game time. A stronger route into professional football, particularly through high-level programs in the NCAA and NAIA. At Soccer Student Pathway, we specialize in helping players navigate the U.S. women’s college system — maximizing both scholarship opportunities and long-term potential.
