Choosing the right university to get a football scholarship in the USAIt’s not easy, but it’s not as hard as you think. We encourage you to read this post as a guide to unravel the ins and outs of this important process for students and footballers.
First of all: get to know the NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA (Junior College).
It is important to know the differences between the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA , the National College Athletics Association. is the most recognised and prestigious sports organisation in the USA. When people think of college sports, the NCAA is the first choice that comes to mind. Within the NCAA there are three divisions. st and 2nd Divisions are the only ones that offer sports scholarships.
NCAA Division 1 is very competitive. The eligibility rules for this division are stricter, so you need to have a very high level to be signed in this division. It is also possible to start in the 2nd division and then transfer to the 1st division. Here are the main characteristics of each league’s divisions
The main characteristics of the NCAA:
- They are usually large universities
- 281 institutions
- Approximately 450,000 athletes in the NCAA
- Strict regulations on contact between players and coaches
- Very strict requirements to play in 1st division
- Web: ncaa.com
On the other hand, we have the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.which is made up of generally smaller, private universities. Both academic and athletic standards are as high as those of the NCAA, but there are fewer rules on eligibility for international athletes. This makes the NAIA a good option for international athletes looking for a place in the NAIA. football scholarships.
Just because the athletic requirements are less than those of the NCAA does not mean that the NAIA is not competitive. NAIA Division I is equivalent to NCAA Division II.
The main features of the NAIA:
- They tend to be smaller, private universities
- 225 institutions
- Large number of international athletes
- Web: naia.org
Last but not least, we have the National Junior College Athletic Association, which is made up of 2-year community colleges.
In the United States, community colleges tend to be smaller universities with lower acceptance requirements. Because they are usually cheaper, many students start out attending community colleges and then transfer their credits to universities with a higher sporting level.
Facilities are often not that good. However, athletes should not ignore NJCAA scholarships altogether. Such universities are a good option for students who have not been accepted into the NCAA or NAIA based on academic grades. They can do two years of community college in order to raise their grades and later try to qualify for an NCAA or NAIA scholarship.
The main features of the NJCAA:
- 2-year community colleges
- 525 institutions
- Preliminary step to the NCAA and NAIA
- Low academic requirements
- Few eligibility requirements
- Web: njcaa.org
Choosing the right university for your football scholarship in the USA
As we have already mentioned, choosing the right university is fundamental for the student-athlete’s future. That is why, at MAE, we are dedicated to transforming this complex decision into a clear and safe process, helping students and their families to find the ideal option for study in the United States.
With more than 5,000 colleges to choose from, our mission is to align our students’ academic, economic and geographic aspirations with the perfect college for them, while facilitating access to football scholarships in the United States.
Elegir la universidad adecuada es tan simple como comenzar por contactarnos. At MAE we will study your case and the level of soccer sports, evaluate your situation and your grades, as well as give you advice and guidance on what you want, what you need and what American universities can offer you..
It is important for you to know that sports processes should be started two years in advance and, more importantly, you should know how the football scholarship budget works, as each university operates differently.
A video highlights, i.e. a compilation with pictures and clips of your best plays as a footballer, is also a must. However, never forget your academic grades, because if there are two students with the same sporting level, the coach will always prefer the one with the better academic record.
Tips from MAE that may be of interest to you
One piece of advice from MAE is that you should not wait until the last minute to go to the United States with a sports scholarship, but if you have it in mind, find out in advance so that you can gather all the necessary documents and take the relevant exams within the established deadlines.
Please contact us so that we can inform you about all the steps, don’t forget to prepare yourself well with this guide and ask us all the questions you have about how to obtain a football scholarship in the United States, we will help you in any way you need.
MAE will always be here for you.