DII Programs
How many DII programs are there?
There are 214 DII men’s soccer programs and 265 DII women’s soccer programs. Men’s soccer is allowed 9 athletic scholarships and the women are permitted 9.9 athletic scholarships. With team sizes averaging around 30 you can see that money is spread even more thinly in Division II. There are also many programs who do not fully fund the 9 and 9.9 scholarships. Be sure to ask your DII coach how funded they are and if that impacts what scholarships are or are not available.
What makes DII different than DI and DIII?
We already talked about the scholarship difference but the offseason will look less demanding in DII than DI. There is more of an emphasis on school over athletics and providing DII student athletes with a balance of in-season and offseason. You will still still lots of DI caliber players in DII and even DIII so expect the level to still be quite high, especially at the top DII programs.
The main difference between DII and DIII is that DII is permitted athletic scholarships and DIII is not permitted to provide soccer scholarships to student-athletes.
Things to consider:
Is it possible for me to balance both the athletics and academics at this institution?
Will I play or should I go somewhere were I can feature more prominently?
Does this team culture suit me?
Does this particular college set me up for post-college success?
Helpful Link:
Top Drawer Soccer DII Men’s College Programs Listed by Conference
Top Drawer Soccer DII Women’s College Programs Listed by Conference