Academics and Athletics Unite: The Distinctive Edge of NCAA D3 Soccer Programs
Upper 90 College client Simon Kalinauskas taking a shot on goal with his team Amherst College (NCAA D3)!
NCAA D3 Soccer Colleges & What Set's Them Apart To Other Divisions?
Last week we took you on a journey around some of the top programs in NCAA Division 2. And prior to that article, in the first part of this series, we uncovered some of the best NCAA D1 soccer colleges. Today we’ll unlock just some of the best NCAA D3 colleges in the college soccer system in the USA!
Before we dive into the best soccer colleges in the NCAA D3, let's take a closer look at what sets NCAA D3 apart academically. Unlike NCAA D1, D3 schools are not allowed to offer athletic scholarships. However, this doesn't mean that the education offered at D3 schools is any less valuable. In fact, many D3 schools are known for their rigorous academic programs and smaller class sizes, allowing for a more personalized learning experience. NCAA D3 soccer colleges also have some of the very best academic institutions in the USA and globally, such as MIT, NYU and others.
Now that we've covered the academic aspect, let's move on to the exciting stuff - soccer!
Top Men's Soccer Colleges in NCAA D3
1. Messiah College
Messiah College is widely regarded as the best men's soccer college in the NCAA D3. The Falcons have won a staggering 12 national championships, including four in a row from 2008-2011. In 2022, they had a record of 20-1-2, making it to the final four of the NCAA tournament. Not only are they a powerhouse on the field, but they also have a strong commitment to academic excellence, with a 97% graduation rate.
2. Tufts University
Tufts University is another top men's soccer college in the NCAA D3. They have won two national championships and have been a consistent presence in the NCAA tournament over the years. In 2022, they had a record of 17-1-3 and made it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. Tufts is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the sciences and engineering fields.
3. Calvin University
Calvin University is a Division III Christian liberal arts school located in Michigan. They have won three national championships and have made 16 appearances in the NCAA tournament. In 2022, they had a record of 19-3-1 and made it to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament. Calvin has a strong emphasis on academics, with over 100 academic programs offered.
Top Women's Soccer Colleges in NCAA D3
1. Williams College
Williams College is considered the best women's soccer college in the NCAA D3. They have won two national championships and have made it to the NCAA tournament 17 times. In 2022, they had a record of 19-0-3 and made it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. Williams is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.
2. Messiah College
Messiah College isn't just a top men's soccer college - they also have a strong women's soccer program. The Falcons have won five national championships and have made it to the NCAA tournament 20 times. In 2022, they had a record of 21-3-0 and won the national championship. As we mentioned earlier, Messiah has a strong commitment to academic excellence, with a 97% graduation rate.
3. Chicago University
Chicago University is another top women's soccer college in the NCAA D3. They have made it to the NCAA tournament 14 times and have won one national championship. In 2022, they had a record of 15-5-2 and made it to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament. Chicago is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the social sciences and business.
Attending an NCAA Division III soccer college can offer several academic advantages to students. Firstly, Division III schools typically prioritize academics, so students can expect a rigorous academic program with highly qualified professors. These colleges tend to have smaller class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention and support from instructors.
Additionally, many Division III soccer colleges offer a wide range of academic programs and opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad programs. Furthermore, participating in a Division III soccer program requires a high level of time management and discipline, which can translate to academic success. Student-athletes are often held to higher academic standards, which can motivate them to perform better in their classes.
Lastly, Division III schools tend to have a strong sense of community, which can create a supportive and collaborative environment for learning. If you are interested in finding out more about the USA college soccer system, read up about our services here, and contact us today!
