Although Soccer is not as popular as most of the other sport or college events in the United states, there are some pretty top colleges in that are known for having first class facilities and are a great academy for soccer.
It is a no-brainer that soccer is a sport that players must be groomed into if they are to become elite and play at the highest level and that there is the need for facilities that will enhance the grooming process.
It should also be known that these colleges are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) whose aim is to produce college athletes. Most of these NCAA players can have a shot at playing in the Major League Soccer (MLS) or any of the other top leagues as professionals.
Here in this article, I will be introducing to you to the 7 best soccer colleges in the US. Therefore, if your are in the United States, and are aspiring to be a superstar in the round leather game as years go by, do well to enroll in one the colleges that will be mentioned in this article to enhance your chances of a breakthrough in the sport.
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1. University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
A public land-grant research based university in Los Angeles, California, The University of California was founded in the year 1919, although prior to that year, it was just a teachers college, called the California State Normal school (1881 – 1919).
The University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) men soccer team is called “UCLA Bruins men’s soccer”. While the women’s soccer team is called “UCLA Bruins women’s soccer”.
According to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the University has an admission rate of about 14%, which makes it quite difficult to get admission as a students (although not as hard as most of the others on this list).
2. Harvard University
Considered the Oldest educational institution in the United States. Harvard University was founded in the year 1636.
The University has an acceptance rate of about 5% according to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which is considered one of the lowest on this list.
However, the University is open to all qualified persons and school fees range from $15,000 to $40,000 which can also be made lower via the Universities financial aid.
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Their soccer team is known as the “Harvard Men soccer team”, and the “Harvard Women soccer team”. Both currently play in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Founded as a public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the best soccer colleges in the US. It was founded in the year 1789 and currently has an undergraduate enrollment of about 19,000.
The Universities soccer team, known as North Carolina Tar Heels is one of the participants of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and they currently have top class soccer facilities. This includes a top-tier football stadium (Dorrance Field), training faculties and a great medical team for the players.
The Universities women are also one of the best as they have won a total of 23 out of the 27 Atlantic Coast Conference championships. The University has produced numerous talents including Lawrence Taylor, Vince Carter and popular basketball player, Michael Jordan.
4. University of Notre Dame
A private Catholic university located Notre Dame, Indiana, just outside the city of South Bend, University of Notre Dame is one of the best soccer colleges in the US.
The University’s soccer team, known as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish men, was founded in the 2012 Spring. They currently play at the Alumni stadium and are a part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
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The Universities tuition fees, which is around the $60,301 figure, is actually one of the biggest, although it could be reduced via the schools “financial aid program” for students.
5. Princeton University
A private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton University was founded in the year 1746 in Elizabeth and was then known as the College of New Jersey.
The Ivy league private university has a men soccer team called “Princeton Tigers men’s soccer”, which are also considered to be one of the oldest members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
According to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Princeton university has an admission rate of about 6%. Which directly means that the University are very selective with their admission.
6. Stanford University
Founded in the year 1885, Stanford University is one of the best soccer colleges in the US. Located in California, the Universities soccer team is called “Stanford Cardinal football”. This is same for both the Stanford university male soccer team, and the Stanford University female soccer team.
As at the 2021 Fall, the University reported having a total of about 17,246 students. And the reason for the number is due to the fact that the University is world class and one of the top ten in the world.
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7. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was founded in the year 1819, by Thomas Jefferson.
There are one of the Universities in the United State that is known for their selective admission and also rich culture.
Their men’s soccer team is known as the Virginia Cavaliers, where they take part in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The woman’s soccer team is known as “Virginia Faces Xavier”. Both sides are known for their role in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The university of Virginia is open for all, and their acceptance rate is 22%.
Conclusion
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and it is no surprise that top universities are allowing their students to take part in this activities.
Please note that this list of the 7 best soccer colleges in the US is only based on alphabetical ranking and is by no means and exhaustive list. There are the top class colleges where you can also learn soccer.
Kenneth is a an avid soccer follower, fan and writer. He is a consistent follower of the sport and is a fan of Chelsea FC.