D2 and D3 Women's Soccer: The Programs Many Families Overlook

Key Takeaways

• Look beyond D1 when researching schools. D2 and D3 programs deserve a place in your search.
• D2 schools use a partial-scholarship model. D3 schools don't offer athletics scholarships, but other aid may be available.
• Don't judge a program by its division label alone. Look at the specific team, the school, and the cost.
• Put D2 and D3 schools in your target and likely-fit tiers, and consider them for reach tiers too.

Look Beyond D1

When families first think about college soccer, they usually picture Division I. It's what's on TV, it's what the biggest club programs talk about, and it's the label most people recognize.

But D1 is only part of the picture. A list that only includes D1 schools leaves D2 and D3 options unexplored. Consider all three divisions, then narrow your list around the school, the team, and your family's needs.

How D2 Is Different

Division II schools use what the NCAA calls a partial-scholarship model. Coaches can divide their scholarship funds among several players on the roster, and the amounts vary by school, sport, and player.

That means two things for families. First, a player may be offered some athletics aid, but not necessarily everything. Second, athletics aid can often be combined with academic scholarships, grants, and other financial aid, which can change the real cost a lot.

How D3 Is Different

Division III schools don't offer athletics scholarships. That doesn't mean D3 is out of reach financially. Merit-based and need-based aid may be available at many D3 schools, and for some families the net cost after that aid is lower than expected.

The key is to ask each school directly. Aid policies differ, so look at the financial aid office and the school's net price calculator, not just the athletics department.

Don't Judge a Program by the Division Label

The division tells you about the rules and the aid model. It doesn't tell you how good a team is, how well it fits you, or what it costs.

• Teams vary within every division. Look at the specific program: its roster, recent results, style of play, and coaching staff.
• The school matters as much as the team. You'll spend most of your time there as a student. Check the major, the size, the setting, and the campus.
• Cost is the whole picture. Compare what your family would pay after all aid, not just sticker prices or athletics aid.

If you're not sure how a program compares with your level, ask your club coach or an ID camp coach, and use PitchList's soccer level tag as one more guide. It isn't an official ranking, so use it alongside what coaches tell you.

Questions to Ask a D2 or D3 Program

• What does a typical roster look like, and how many players do you take each year?
• Where do you see me fitting in the program?
• What kinds of financial aid do your players usually receive?
• How does the team balance soccer and academics during the season?
• Can I talk to a current player?

How to Fit D2 and D3 into Your List

If your list only has D1 schools, add programs from D2 and D3 and sort them into the same tiers: reach, target, and likely fit. Our guide to building your school list walks through how.

See what's out there.
Use the Division filter on PitchList to view D2 or D3 programs only, then add the ones you like to My Targets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming a lower division means an easier or worse experience. Judge the specific program.
• Assuming a D3 school is too expensive without checking aid. Ask for a net price estimate.
• Assuming a D2 offer means full cost covered. D2 aid is usually partial.
• Skipping D2 and D3 because the names are unfamiliar. Unfamiliar doesn't mean a poor fit.
• Waiting to ask about cost. Raise it early, with the school's financial aid office as well as the coach.