Top soccer colleges for student-athletes: The best of the best

October 25, 2025 Kris Isaksen

If you're an aspiring collegiate soccer player, where you play matters — and not just on the field. The National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA) ranked over 1,000 schools to find the top programs balancing strong academics, athletic opportunities, and affordability. Here's a countdown of the top 10 men’s soccer colleges in the U.S., starting with number 10.

10. University of California – Berkeley

UC Berkeley offers a world-class education alongside a strong NCAA Division 1 soccer program. With an average cost after aid of $15,240 and nearly 4,000 student-athlete favorites, it’s a go-to for players aiming for top-tier academics and athletics.

9. Johns Hopkins University

One of the few Division 3 programs to break into the top 10, Johns Hopkins stands out for its academic rigor and soccer excellence. It boasts a high graduation rate and an average cost after aid of $14,254, making it both elite and accessible.

8. University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA is one of the most recognizable names in college athletics, and its soccer program continues that tradition. With over 5,800 NCSA favorites and a competitive $11,627 average cost after aid, it offers both prestige and value.

7. University of Pennsylvania – Penn

An Ivy League powerhouse, Penn balances strong academics with a respected NCAA Division 1 soccer team. With more than 2,400 student-athlete favorites and a $14,851 average cost after aid, it's a smart pick for scholar-athletes.

6. Yale University

Yale's reputation for academic excellence extends to its athletic offerings, including a competitive Division 1 soccer program. With an average cost after aid of $16,341, it attracts talent on and off the field.

5. Columbia University

Located in New York City, Columbia is another Ivy League standout offering elite academics and Division 1 soccer. With nearly 2,000 NCSA favorites and an average cost after aid of $12,836, it’s a high-value option in an iconic setting.

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT

A rare Division 3 school on the list, MIT is a magnet for high-achieving student-athletes who want to excel in both engineering and athletics. Its average cost after aid is just $5,084, making it surprisingly affordable for a world-class education.

3. Harvard University

Harvard combines an elite academic environment with strong Division 1 soccer, drawing over 2,100 student-athlete favorites. With a $13,259 average cost after aid, it delivers on value and prestige.

2. Princeton University

Ranked number one academically in the NCSA list, Princeton also impresses with its Division 1 soccer program. It has the lowest average cost after aid among the Ivies at $11,080 and the highest number of NCSA favorites.

1. Stanford University

Stanford tops the list thanks to its blend of academic excellence, elite-level soccer, and outstanding graduation rates. With over 6,800 favorites and a low $7,200 average cost after aid, it’s the gold standard for aspiring college soccer players.