Who are the US colleges with the best soccer programs across divisions?
Amherst Men’s Soccer (NCAA D3) takes a shot on goal in a Championship game!
Are you a male or female high school soccer player with aspirations of playing at the next level? Look no further than the USA college soccer system. With thousands of college soccer programs across the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA, there is sure to be a fit for every player at every level. ! I'm here to give you the inside scoop on the top men's and women's college soccer programs across NCAA D1. Be aware, this is not an exhaustive list, and gives insight into the best across all divisions over the decades given their output of top quality players who have gone onto playing at the very highest level.
While many prospective college soccer players are looking toward playing in NCAA D1, this does not mean that other divisions don't play to the same standard as D1, nor, as you'll see below, compete against D1 soccer programs. Simply put, other divisions are no slouch when it comes to competitive college soccer in the USA. This post will delve into all divisions and governing bodies, so it's a pretty exhaustive list of historical top 5 college soccer programs. I always tell any college soccer prospect and their family to spend some time looking at full game footage of these teams, which you'll readily find on YouTube, and this will give you a deeper insight into the style of play, and the level of each of these teams.
Top NCAA D1 Women's College Soccer Programs
Stanford Women’s Soccer in a tough battle vs. Arizona!
According to data from the NCAA, these five programs consistently rank among the best in the country for women's soccer in NCAA D1:
Stanford University: With 3 national championships and 8 College Cup appearances in the last decade, it's no surprise that Stanford tops the list. The Cardinal have a winning percentage of .814 over the last 10 years and consistently attract top talent.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: UNC has a storied history in women's college soccer, with 21 national championships and 29 College Cup appearances. They have a winning percentage of .858 over the last decade and are known for producing some of the best players in the world.
University of Virginia: The Cavaliers have been a dominant force in recent years, with a national championship in 2014 and 3 College Cup appearances in the last 5 years. Their winning percentage over the last decade is .792.
University of Florida: The Gators have made 8 College Cup appearances in the last decade and won a national championship in 2015. Their winning percentage over the last 10 years is .768.
University of Southern California: The Trojans have won 2 national championships in the last decade and made 6 College Cup appearances. Their winning percentage over the last 10 years is .757.
Top NCAA D1 Men's College Soccer Programs
Wake Forest Men’s Soccer taking on Indiana!
1. University of Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have been dominating the college soccer scene for years, boasting a whopping seven national championships and 31 NCAA tournament appearances. In the past 10 years alone, they have made it to the College Cup five times and won two national titles. This team knows how to win and they do it with style.
2. Wake Forest University Demon Deacons
Don't be fooled by their cute mascot, the Demon Deacons are a force to be reckoned with on the field. They have three national championships under their belt, including two in the past decade. Their impressive record also includes 17 ACC championships, the most of any team in the conference.
3. Indiana University Hoosiers
The Hoosiers have a storied history in college soccer, with eight national championships and 44 NCAA tournament appearances. They consistently rank among the top teams in the country and have made it to the College Cup 21 times. Their impressive record is a testament to the quality of their program and the talent of their players.
4. Stanford University Cardinal
The Cardinal have been a dominant force in college soccer in recent years, winning three national championships in four years (2015, 2016, and 2017). They have also made it to the College Cup five times in the past decade. With their talented players and strong coaching staff, the Cardinal are a team to watch.
5. University of North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels have a long history of success in college soccer, with two national championships and 19 College Cup appearances. They consistently rank among the top teams in the country and have produced many talented players who have gone on to successful careers in professional soccer. This team knows how to win and they do it with class.
Top NCAA D2 Women's Soccer Programs
Bridgeport Women’s Soccer defend against Wilimngton University!
1. Grand Valley State University - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a powerhouse in Division 2 women's soccer. They have won 3 national championships and have made it to the final four an impressive 13 times. GVSU has also won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) championship an astounding 18 times. With a win percentage of .831, it's no surprise that GVSU is at the top of our list.
2. University of Central Missouri - Warrensburg, MO
The University of Central Missouri (UCM) is a strong contender in Division 2 women's soccer. They have made it to the NCAA tournament 16 times and have reached the final four twice. UCM has also won the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) championship 8 times. With a win percentage of .745, UCM is a team to watch out for.
3. University of Bridgeport - Bridgeport, CT
The University of Bridgeport (UB) has established themselves as a dominant force in Division 2 women's soccer. They have won 3 national championships and have made it to the NCAA tournament 14 times. UB has also won the East Coast Conference (ECC) championship an impressive 7 times. With a win percentage of .734, UB is a team that consistently performs at a high level.
4. Central Oklahoma University - Edmond, OK
Central Oklahoma University (UCO) is another top contender in Division 2 women's soccer. They have made it to the NCAA tournament 14 times and have reached the final four twice. UCO has also won the MIAA championship 6 times. With a win percentage of .688, UCO is a team that is not to be underestimated.
5. Columbus State University - Columbus, GA
Last but not least, Columbus State University (CSU) rounds out our top 5 women's college soccer programs in NCAA Division 2. They have made it to the NCAA tournament 13 times and have reached the final four twice. CSU has also won the Peach Belt Conference championship 10 times. With a win percentage of .670, CSU is a team that consistently performs well on the field. Our very own client Ali Cook, from Canberra, Australia, spent time at CSU!
Top NCAA D2 Men's Soccer Programs
Charleston University (West Virginia) fighting hard on the ball vs. Notre Dame College!
1. Charleston University (West Virginia): Charleston University has dominated the D2 soccer scene in recent years, winning four national championships in the past decade. They boast a winning percentage of .826, the highest in D2. If you're looking for a team that consistently performs at the top level, Charleston is your go-to.
2. West Chester University: West Chester University has been a powerhouse in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, winning the conference championship six times in the past decade. They have made five NCAA tournament appearances in that time and have a winning percentage of .740. With their strong defense and skilled attackers, West Chester is definitely a team to watch.
3. Midwestern State University: Based in Texas, Midwestern State University has been a force to be reckoned with in D2 soccer. They have made five NCAA tournament appearances in the past decade and have a winning percentage of .712. Their attacking prowess is particularly noteworthy, as they have averaged over two goals per game in the past three seasons.
4. Rockhurst University: Rockhurst University, located in Missouri, has been a consistent performer in D2 soccer, with nine NCAA tournament appearances in the past decade. Their success is due in part to their disciplined defense, as they have allowed an average of just 0.68 goals per game over the past three seasons. If you're a fan of tight, tactical soccer, Rockhurst is the team for you.
5. California State University, Los Angeles Rounding out our top 5 is California State University, Los Angeles. They have been a strong contender in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, making four NCAA tournament appearances in the past decade. Their offensive firepower is particularly impressive, as they have averaged over two goals per game in the past three seasons.
Top NCAA D3 Women's Soccer Programs
Centre College Women’s Soccer battling it out with Hannover College!
1. Williams College: This team has been dominating the field with a record of 256-27-16 since 2000. They have won 7 NCAA Division III Championships, the most recent in 2017. In the past 10 years alone, Williams College has been in the Final Four 6 times. These women are a force to be reckoned with on the field.
2. Messiah College: With a record of 237-29-18 since 2000, Messiah College has won 6 NCAA Division III Championships, including 4 in a row from 2008-2011. They have also been in the Final Four 9 times in the past 10 years. This team is known for their strong defense, which has only allowed 7 goals in a single season, and their offensive firepower, which has scored over 100 goals in a season.
3. Emory University: Emory University has a record of 196-44-22 since 2000. They have been in the Final Four 5 times and won 1 NCAA Division III Championship in 2018. What sets this team apart is their consistent success year after year. They have been in the NCAA tournament every year since 2008, which is no easy feat.
4. Washington University in St. Louis: Washington University in St. Louis has a record of 226-53-30 since 2000. They have been in the Final Four 4 times and won 1 NCAA Division III Championship in 2016. This team is known for their strong team dynamic and ability to come back from behind.
5. Centre College: Centre College has a record of 225-80-26 since 2000. They have been in the Final Four 2 times and won 1 NCAA Division III Championship in 2015. This team is known for their aggressive style of play and high-scoring games. In the 2015 season, they scored 129 goals, the most in NCAA Division III history.
Top NCAA D3 Men's Soccer Programs
Messiah Men’s Soccer hitting it up in a tough game in the Mid Atlantic Conference!
1. Amherst College: If you're looking for a powerhouse team in the D3 soccer world, look no further than Amherst College. They've consistently ranked in the top 10 in the NCAA rankings and have even made it to the NCAA Final Four four times in the last decade. And let's not forget their impressive 29-1-1 record in 2015, where they took home the national championship. We're very lucky to have our very own Upper 90 College client Simon Kalinauskas playing at Amherst in 2023 and beyond!
2. Tufts University: Coming in hot at number two is Tufts University. This team has been a force to be reckoned with in recent years, making it to the NCAA tournament eight times in the last decade and winning two national championships in 2014 and 2016. Plus, they've produced some serious talent, with five players being selected in the MLS draft since 2016.
3. Messiah University: Next up, we have Messiah University, another team that knows how to win. They've won a whopping 11 national championships in the last 20 years, which is seriously impressive. They also hold the record for the longest unbeaten streak in NCAA D3 history, with 88 games without a loss from 2004-2008.
4. Calvin University: Calvin University may be a smaller school, but their soccer program packs a big punch. They've made it to the NCAA tournament a staggering 25 times in the last 30 years and have won three national championships, with the most recent being in 2017. And let's not forget their impressive 2019 season, where they went 22-2-0 and made it to the Elite Eight.
5. University of Chicago: Rounding out our list is the University of Chicago. While they may not have as many national championships as some of the other teams on this list, they've consistently ranked in the top 25 and have made it to the NCAA tournament nine times in the last decade. Plus, they've produced some impressive talent, with five players being selected in the MLS draft since 2013.
Why You Should Look Into NAIA College Soccer Programs!
If you're an aspiring soccer player looking to play in college, you might think that your only options are the big-name Division I NCAA schools. But let me tell you, you shouldn't overlook the NAIA college soccer pathway. Upper 90 College clients across the past 13 years have had exceptional success both on and off the field by playing in the NAIA!
So why is it important for prospective college soccer players to not overlook the NAIA? For starters, the NAIA offers a more intimate and personalized experience than the NCAA. With fewer schools and smaller class sizes, you'll get to know your coaches and teammates on a deeper level. Plus, the NAIA emphasizes character development and community involvement, so you'll have the opportunity to make a positive impact both on and off the field. I'm not saying this isn't the case at smaller NCAA schools, though the NAIA are typically the same size as the NCAA D2 schools.
Let's look at the numbers. According to a study by the NCAA, only 1.5% of high school soccer players go on to play Division I soccer, while just 2.9% play in any NCAA division. In contrast, the NAIA has over 200 member schools and over 30,000 student-athletes, that a lot of opportunities! Again, our very own Upper 90 College alumni, who were super talented players in their own right, like Daniel Linstead and Eric Birighitti, went onto win the NAIA Men's Soccer National title in 2016! If both Daniel and Eric had played at larger D1 soccer programs (which I know they could have competed at hands down), I feel that they may not have attained the same National Tournament winning achievement. Simply put, the NAIA can provide some great opportunities to play at the very highest level, and win BIG in the process!
But what about the level of competition? Again, the numbers speak for themselves. According to the NCAA, the average Division I men's soccer team has a roster of 28 players, while the average NAIA men's soccer team has a roster of just 23 players. That means there's typically more playing time available for each athlete in the NAIA, and more opportunities to develop your skills and showcase your talents. Plus, the NAIA has produced some impressive players, including Natahn Opoku who won a NCAA D1 Men's Soccer Tournament with Syracuse University in 2022, signed with Leicester City FC, and is on loan currently with OH Leuven in Belgium! Nathan actually had a prolific career with Lindsey Willson College in the NAIA over 2 years!
So don't overlook the NAIA college soccer pathway. It might not have the same name recognition as the NCAA, but it offers a unique and rewarding experience for student-athletes who want to compete at a high level while also prioritizing their personal growth and community impact. And who knows, maybe you'll follow in the footsteps of Daniel Linstead and Eric Birighitti and bring home a national championship! Now we'll take a look at some of the very best NAIA men's and women's college soccer programs in the USA college soccer system!
Top NAIA Women's College Soccer Programs
University of the Cumberlands Women’s Soccer fighting hard on the pitch!
1. Spring Arbor University: With a record of 22-2-2 in 2021, Spring Arbor University is a force to be reckoned with on the soccer field. They have won the NAIA national championship three times and have made it to the final four a staggering nine times. Plus, they have an impressive 91.7% graduation rate for their student-athletes.
2. Keiser University: The Seahawks of Keiser University had an outstanding 2021 season, with a record of 20-1-1 and winning their first NAIA national championship. They have only been a part of the NAIA since 2017, but have already made a name for themselves as a dominant team.
3. University of Northwestern Ohio: The Racers of the University of Northwestern Ohio have consistently been a top contender in the NAIA, making it to the final four six times and winning the national championship twice. With a record of 18-1-1 in 2021, they show no signs of slowing down.
4. Marian University: The Knights of Marian University had an impressive 2022 season, finishing with a record of 21-1-2 and becoming the runner-up in the national tournament. They have progressively built a great level of success of recent years and will continue to do so in 2023.
5. Martin Methodist College (currently UT Southern): The Redhawks of Martin Methodist College (as they were formerly known, prior to their merger into the University of Tennessee system) have been a consistent presence in the NAIA, making it to the final four eight times and winning the national championship twice. With a record of 17-4-1 in 2021, they continue to show their strength on the field.
Top Men's NAIA College Soccer Programs
Lindsey Wilson Men’s Soccer has been a perennial national soccer power for over a decade, with top tier players going into the pro’s!
1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University: The Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles have won the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship four times in the past five years, making them a force to be reckoned with. In the 2020-2021 season, they had a record of 13-1-1, with 51 goals scored and only 9 goals conceded. Talk about a dominating performance!
2. University of Rio Grande: Next up, we have the University of Rio Grande RedStorm. This Ohio-based team has won the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship twice, most recently in 2015. In the 2020-2021 season, they had a record of 9-1-1, with 33 goals scored and only 5 goals conceded. Not too shabby!
3. Central Methodist University: Heading over to Missouri, we have the Central Methodist Eagles. They've won the Heart of America Athletic Conference regular season championship six times in the past eight years and have made it to the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship three times in the past five years. In the 2020-2021 season, they had a record of 11-2-2, with 33 goals scored and only 13 goals conceded.
4. William Carey University: Down in Mississippi, we have the William Carey Crusaders. They've won the Southern States Athletic Conference regular season championship seven times in the past ten years and have made it to the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship four times in the past ten years. In the 2020-2021 season, they had a record of 10-1-1, with 36 goals scored and only 6 goals conceded.
5. Hastings College: Last but certainly not least, we have the Hastings Broncos from Nebraska. They've won the Great Plains Athletic Conference regular season championship six times in the past ten years and have made it to the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship four times in the past ten years. In the 2020-2021 season, they had a record of 9-3-1, with 27 goals scored and only 11 goals conceded. Upper 90 College has a very proud history of their own clients going on to win an NAIA Men's Soccer national championship with both our clients Eric Birighitti and Daniel Linstead playing integral roles in the Bronco's 2016 national championship win!
Why You Should Look Into the Junior College Soccer System?
Over the years, Upper 90 College has had a very strong track record of assisting our players have a great platform to their college athletics careers in the Junior College soccer system. Overlooking the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) soccer programs can be short sighted, as it can provide a great development platform both athletically and academically.
For starters, NJCAA soccer provides a great opportunity for players to develop their skills while also obtaining a quality education. According to NJCAA's latest data, more than 3,700 soccer players participated in the 2019-2020 season across 199 colleges. These players had an average GPA of 3.2, proving that NJCAA soccer players not only excel on the field but also in the classroom.
Furthermore, NJCAA soccer is competitive and produces some impressive talent. In fact, many NJCAA players go on to play at the NCAA Division I and II levels. Take Blake Barklay, a national title-winning player with Southeastern Community College NJCAA D2 and a client of Upper 90 College. His success is a testament to the quality of NJCAA soccer programs.
Now, let's compare NJCAA soccer programs to their four-year counterparts. According to the NCAA, there are 204 Division I soccer programs, 207 Division II programs, and 420 Division III programs. On the other hand, NJCAA has 199 soccer programs. While NJCAA may have fewer programs, this does not diminish the quality of play or opportunity for players to advance their careers.
So, as a prospective college soccer player, do not underestimate the value and potential of NJCAA soccer programs. With high-caliber players and competitive play, NJCAA provides an excellent opportunity for players to develop their skills, earn a quality education, and possibly even continue their soccer careers at higher levels. And if Blake Barklay's success is any indication, NJCAA soccer may just be the perfect platform to launch your soccer career.
Top NJCAA Women's Soccer Programs
Iowa Western battle it out vs Lewis & Clarke College in the NJCAA National Tournament!
1. Tyler Junior College: Coming in hot at number one is Tyler Junior College with an impressive record of 73-4-4 over the past three seasons. They also won back-to-back NJCAA Division I National Championships in 2017 and 2018. Talk about dominating the field!
2. Eastern Florida State College: Eastern Florida State College takes the second spot on our list with a record of 66-3-3 over the past three seasons. In 2019, they were crowned NJCAA Division I National Champions, and they've consistently been a top contender in the NJCAA.
3. Monroe College: Monroe College in New York has a record of 51-5-3 over the past three seasons, and they were crowned NJCAA Division I National Champions in 2015 and 2016. They consistently produce top talent and are definitely a team to watch.
4. Paradise Valley Community College: Paradise Valley Community College in Arizona has a record of 53-8-4 over the past three seasons and has made it to the NJCAA Division II National Championship game twice in the past three years. They're definitely a force to be reckoned with.
5. Iowa Western Community College: Last but certainly not least, Iowa Western Community College rounds out our top five list with a record of 42-6-3 over the past three seasons. They made it to the NJCAA Division I National Championship game in 2019 and are consistently a top-ranked team in the NJCAA.
Top Men's College Soccer Programs
Eastern Florida State College working hard on the pitch vs. Lewis & Clarke College!
1. Tyler Junior College: Let's start with the cream of the crop, Tyler Junior College. This team has won the NJCAA Division I National Championship not once, not twice, but five times in the past decade! With an impressive record of 106-5-5 over the past four seasons, it's safe to say that Tyler Junior College is a force to be reckoned with.
2. Monroe College: Coming in hot at number two is Monroe College. This team has a winning percentage of .833 over the past four seasons, with a record of 59-8-3. They've made it to the NJCAA Division I National Championship four times in the past decade, winning it twice.
3. Eastern Florida State: College Eastern Florida State College is another program that has made a name for itself in the NJCAA. They've won the NJCAA Division I National Championship twice in the past decade and have a winning percentage of .780 over the past four seasons.
4. Pima Community: College Pima Community College has a winning percentage of .769 over the past four seasons, with a record of 49-10-3. They've made it to the NJCAA Division I National Championship twice in the past decade, coming in second place both times.
5. Laramie County Community College: Last but not least, we have Laramie County Community College. This team has a winning percentage of .744 over the past four seasons, with a record of 42-14-4. They've made it to the NJCAA Division I National Championship once in the past decade, coming in third place.
What Makes The Top College Soccer Programs Across The NCAA, NAIA & NJCAA So Successful?
So what makes these programs so successful? First and foremost, they have excellent coaching staffs. These coaches are looking for student athletes who are not only talented on the field, but also dedicated to their academics and have strong character.
But talent alone is not enough to succeed at the NCAA D1 level. According to data from the NCAA, the average Division 1 women's soccer player runs over 7 miles per game and makes over 900 touches on the ball. That's no easy feat! To succeed in a top flight college soccer program, players need to be physically fit, technically skilled, and mentally tough.
In addition to practicing and playing with their high school teams, aspiring college soccer players should focus on building their endurance through cardio workouts and improving their ball control and passing skills through individual training drills.
But it's not all about physical prowess. College coaches are also looking for players who are coachable and can work well with others. Developing strong communication skills both on and off the field can go a long way in impressing coaches and teammates alike.
When it comes to college soccer, there are a select few programs that rise above the rest, consistently performing at the highest levels year after year. But what is it that makes these programs so successful?
First, we'll start with the NCAA, the big kahuna of college sports. According to their research, the top programs in men's soccer tend to have a few things in common. For starters, they recruit well. This may sound obvious, but it's worth noting that successful programs don't just rely on raw talent – they actively seek out players who fit their system and can contribute to the team culture. Additionally, top programs tend to have a strong coaching staff, with experienced leaders who can guide their players to success on and off the field.
But recruiting and coaching aren't the only factors at play. NCAA data also shows that successful programs tend to have a higher budget for things like travel, equipment, and facilities. This allows them to attract top talent and provide their athletes with the resources they need to succeed. Finally, academic support is key – top programs prioritize the academic success of their athletes, ensuring they have access to tutors, study halls, and other resources to help them balance the demands of sport and school.
Moving on to the NAIA, we see some similar trends. According to their research, top programs tend to have a strong sense of community, with coaches who prioritize team bonding and a positive team culture. They also prioritize player development, investing in coaching and training resources to help their athletes improve their skills and reach their full potential. And like the NCAA, academic support is a key component – successful programs prioritize the academic success of their athletes, and provide them with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom.
Finally, we come to the NJCAA. According to their research, successful programs tend to have a few things in common. First and foremost, they prioritize recruitment, actively seeking out top talent to bring onto their team. They also prioritize player development, investing in training and coaching resources to help their athletes improve their skills and reach their full potential. And finally, successful programs tend to have a strong sense of community, with coaches who prioritize team bonding and a positive team culture.
So there you have it, a sweeping overview of the very best to hit the college soccer field across the NCAA, NAIA & NJCAA! College soccer prospects and their families need to know that there certainly is a massive amount of college soccer programs to choose from, and even though many of the schools listed above have some history and weight when it comes to college soccer, they are certainly not the only successful college soccer programs across divisions! At Upper 90 College, we always guide our clients down a pathway to college soccer that ultimately is the right "fit" for their own unique playing and academic level. In the end, when it comes to college soccer recruiting. Fit is always key!
Find out how Upper 90 College can assist you on your college soccer journey,…perhaps to one of the programs listed above! Click here to find out more about our services!
